Arizona Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Arizona, and what can employers and facility managers realistically do to keep their people safe?
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems. We work with organizations throughout Arizona – from border communities to major metropolitan areas – to help solve for the worst-case security scenarios, especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about gun violence in Arizona and offer our insight on the limitations of traditional security systems for preventing casualty events. We’ll also look at how our own AI security technology can help keep people safer.
Where Does Arizona Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Arizona rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #10
1,419 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 10 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #14
18.5 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Arizona
- Phoenix
- Tempe
- Mesa
- Glendale
- Tucson
Top 5 Safest Cities in Arizona
- Scottsdale
- Gilbert
- Surprise
- Chandler
- Goodyear
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Arizona’s Recent History
Arizona has witnessed its share of mass casualty events resulting from gun violence, reflecting a national crisis. A mass shooting event, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, describes an incident in which four or more people are injured by a firearm in one location around the same time.
Phoenix Shooting (2022)
A man shot at people in the parking lot of a motel, killing 2 and injuring 5 before committing suicide
Globe Shooting (2018)
Sterling Hunt shot four people outside a bar, three fatally, before fleeing the scene. He was later taken into custody
Northern Arizona University Shooting (2015)
A freshman at Northern Arizona University shot four students, killing one.
Arizona’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Arizona has one of the most permissive gun law environments in the United States, with minimal state-level restrictions on firearms. The state’s approach prioritizes Second Amendment rights over regulatory measures to limit gun violence.
Arizona gun laws include:
- Constitutional carry
- No universal background checks
- No assault weapons ban
- Preemption laws
- Limited red flag laws
Arizona’s permissive gun laws are associated with significant costs, with gun violence costing the state $15.9 billion annually and advocates estimating that 11,085 lives could be saved over the next decade if Arizona had gun death rates comparable to states with the strongest gun safety laws. Since 2013, when the state passed legislation banning law enforcement agencies from destroying firearms, there has been a 43% increase in firearm injuries and deaths.
Why Arizona Needs Help Why Arizona’s Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Most security systems today operate with inherent limitations that make them less practical for preventing a determined active shooter. On that front, these systems are better at documenting incidents than they are at actually preventing violence.
Limitations of traditional security systems for shooter prevention:
- Surveillance cameras only help with investigations after incidents occur
- Gunshot detection waits until someone’s already shooting
- Manual monitoring fails because humans can’t watch dozens of feeds effectively
- Emergency response protocols depend on someone being available to activate them
In other words, by the time traditional systems kick in, it’s often too late.
How Omnilert Can Help Using Military-Inspired AI Technology to Detect Firearms Before Shots are Fired
When seconds matter most, AI visual gun detection can identify firearms before shots are fired. Military-grade technology like Omnilert’s can integrate with your existing cameras to protect your facility and enact an automated emergency response if a threat is detected.
By themselves, security cameras can’t prevent what they can’t predict. Omnilert brings gun detection technology to facilities across the United States to transform your existing surveillance into an active threat prevention system. Instead of documenting incidents after they happen, AI-powered visual detection spots firearms the moment they appear and triggers immediate response protocols.
Benefits of Omnilert Engaging a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an imminent, active threat is confirmed, there’s no time to waste. Facilities that use Omnilert initiate an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement.
Automated Response
Automated response workflows that trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more.
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies.
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions.
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas.
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology.
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident.
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Protecting Spaces Everywhere What Types of Arizona Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Arizona. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Arizona Gun Violence Statistics
How serious is gun violence in Arizona compared to other states?
Arizona had the 12th highest gun death rate in the United States in 2022. More than 1,100 Arizonans died by gun violence in 2019, an average of three people every day. The state faces particularly concerning disparities, as Arizona had the highest gun suicide rate among Black people in the country in 2023, with the gun suicide rate for Black Arizonans being two times the national average.
What is the breakdown between suicides and homicides in Arizona gun deaths?
Suicides accounted for 71% of gun deaths while homicides made up the remainder. This reflects a national pattern where gun suicides significantly outnumber homicides in overall gun death statistics.
What role do firearms play in domestic violence in Arizona?
In 2021, suspects used firearms in 128 domestic violence homicides in Arizona, highlighting the deadly intersection of gun access and domestic violence situations.
Does Arizona require gun registration or background checks?
Arizona has relatively permissive gun laws. The State of Arizona does not require citizens to register their firearms with the State and also prohibits local jurisdictions from requiring licensing or registration of firearms or ammunition. Additionally, under Arizona law, you do not need a background check to buy a gun from a private party in Arizona
Who can legally carry firearms in Arizona?
Any person 21 years of age or older, who is not a prohibited possessor, may carry a weapon openly or concealed without the need for a license. This makes Arizona a “constitutional carry” state with relatively few restrictions on lawful gun carrying.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.everytown.org/press/everytown-for-gun-safety-releases-2025-state-gun-law-rankings-with-arizona-ranking-43rd-for-the-weakness-of-its-gun-laws/
- https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2025/04/17/state-lawmakers-want-to-fine-city-officials-for-proposing-new-gun-laws/
- https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/arizona/
- https://c2tactical.com/news/arizonas-2025-gun-law-changes-a-guide-for-gun-owners/
- https://azpha.org/2025/01/08/addressing-firearm-violence-in-arizona-a-public-health-perspective/
- https://efsgv.org/state/arizona/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/gun-violence-data/state-gun-violence-data/arizona
- https://azpha.org/2025/01/08/addressing-firearm-violence-in-arizona-a-public-health-perspective/
- https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/policesite/documents/088411.pdf
- https://www.tucsongunlaw.com/arizona-gun-law-frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/arizona/
