Colorado Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Colorado, 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 Colorado, home to many iconic music and major sports venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Empower Field at Mile High, Ball Arena, and Coors Field , to help solve for the worst-case security scenarios, especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about gun violence in Colorado and offer our insight on the limitations of traditional security systems for preventing casualty events. We’ll also examine how our AI security technology can help keep people safer at venues and facilities across the state.
Where Does Colorado Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Colorado rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #19
1,019 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 19 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #20
16.6 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado
- Pueblo
- Denver
- Westminster
- Aurora
- Lakewood
Top 5 Safest Cities in Colorado
- Fort Collins
- Englewood
- Boulder
- Greeley
- Thornton
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Colorado’s Recent History
Colorado has experienced some of the nation’s most devastating mass casualty events resulting from gun violence. 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.
Colorado Springs Nightclub Shooting (2022)
A gunman entered a local bar and opened fire, killing five and injuring 25 others.
Aurora Movie Thheater (2012)
A shooter stormed a late-night movie premiere and opened fire, killing 12 and wounding about 70 others.
Columbine High School Massacre (1999)
Two students from the school shot and killed thirteen classmates and a teacher and wounded 23 others.
Colorado’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Colorado has strengthened their gun laws through a comprehensive legislative strategy that combines regulation, taxation, and public health initiatives. The state has passed multiple gun safety bills in recent years, establishing a multi-layered approach to reducing firearm-related deaths and injuries.
Colorado gun laws include:
- Dealer Licensing System
- Excise Tax
- Office of Gun Violence Prevention
- School-Based Education
- Sensitive Places Restrictions
Colorado has seen approximately 900-1,000 firearm deaths annually in recent years, with about 72% from suicide and 26% from homicide, and while the state has strengthened its gun laws to rank 10th nationally, it’s too early to measure the full impact of recent legislative reforms on reducing these deaths.
Why Colorado Needs Help Why Colorado’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 Colorado Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Colorado. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Colorado Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in Colorado each year?
Approximately 1,000 people died from gun-related injuries in Colorado in 2023, which includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and other incidents.
What percentage of gun deaths are suicides vs. homicides?
In 2023, 72% of firearm-related deaths in Colorado were suicides, while 26% were homicides; 71% of all homicide deaths in Colorado in 2023 involved firearms.
Which demographic groups are most affected by gun violence?
The disparities are significant. Young Black males ages 15-34 were 16 times as likely to die by gun homicide than their white counterparts, while young Hispanic/Latino males ages 15-34 were six times as likely to die by gun homicide compared to their white counterparts. White males over the age of 34 accounted for 20% of the population in Colorado but 48% of all gun suicide deaths in 2023.
How does Colorado rank nationally for gun violence?
In 2021, Colorado ranked 18th in the United States for firearm-related deaths. However, Colorado rose to number 10 for the strength of its gun laws in 2025 according to gun safety organizations.
What role do firearms play in domestic violence deaths?
In 2022, there were at least 83 domestic violence-related homicides in Colorado, with 63% committed by firearm.
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/colorado-ranks-within-top-10-states-for-the-strength-of-its-gun-laws-per-everytown-for-gun-safetys-2025-state-gun-law-rankings/
- https://momsdemandaction.org/press/victory-for-gun-safety-colorado-moms-demand-action-students-demand-action-applauds-legislature-for-passing-historic-number-of-gun-safety-bills-during-the-2025-legislative-session/
- https://www.everytown.org/state/colorado/
- https://www.everytown.org/press/colorado-makes-monumental-progress-in-gun-violence-prevention-during-the-2024-legislative-session-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://cdphe.colorado.gov/office-of-gun-violence-prevention
- https://coloradonewsline.com/2025/05/13/gun-bills-colorado-legislature-2025/
- https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-people-die-from-gun-related-injuries-in-the-us-each-month/state/colorado/
- https://ammo.com/research/gun-ownership-statistics-colorado
- https://cdphe.colorado.gov/colorado-gun-violence-prevention-resource-bank/injury-and-death-involving-firearms/community
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/gun-violence-data/state-gun-violence-data/colorado
- https://www.cpr.org/2024/02/24/state-launches-colorado-firearm-data-dashboard-on-gun-violence-prevention/
- https://www.everytown.org/press/colorado-ranks-within-top-10-states-for-the-strength-of-its-gun-laws-per-everytown-for-gun-safetys-2025-state-gun-law-rankings/
