Connecticut Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Connecticut, 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 across Connecticut, a state that punches above its weight as home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, to help address worst-case security scenarios—especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about gun violence in Connecticut 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 Connecticut Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Connecticut rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #39
225 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 39 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #45
6.2 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Connecticut
- Hartford
- New Haven
- Waterbury
- Bridgeport
- Stamford
Top 5 Safest Cities in Connecticut
- Ridgefield
- Wallingford
- Newtown
- Cheshire
- Shelton
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Connecticut’s Recent History
Connecticut bears the weight of mass casualty events resulting from gun violence that have left an indelible mark on the state and the country. 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.
Sandy Hook Shooting (2012)
A 20-year-old man killed his mother before shooting and killing twenty first-grade children as well as six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Hartford Beer Distributors Shooting (2010)
A disgruntled employee of Hartford Distributors shot and killed eight coworkers and injured two others in retaliation for his firing.
Connecticut Lottery Shooting (1998)
An accountant employed by the lottery attacked four of his supervisors, killing them before taking his own life.
Connecticut’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Connecticut responded to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting by enacting comprehensive gun safety laws that have made it one of the nation’s strongest states for gun violence prevention.
Gun laws in Connecticut include:
- Universal background checks and gun owner licensing requirements
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Assault weapon restrictions and large-capacity magazine bans
- Domestic violence protections
- Child access prevention and safe storage laws
Connecticut has the sixth lowest gun death rate among states, though gun deaths still increased 25% from 2014 to 2023—notably less than the 33% national increase. Research found Connecticut’s 1995 handgun licensing law was associated with a 40% reduction in firearm-related homicides.
Why Connecticut Needs Help Why Connecticut’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 Connecticut Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Connecticut. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Connecticut Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in Connecticut each year?
Approximately 225 people died from gun-related injuries in Connecticut in 2023, which includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and other incidents. About 52% of these deaths are gun suicides and 44% are gun homicides.
What is Connecticut’s gun death rate compared to other states?
In 2018, Connecticut had a firearm mortality rate of 4.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, making it the sixth lowest in the nation. Connecticut is considered to have relatively low gun violence compared to many other states due to its strong gun safety laws.
Has gun violence in Connecticut increased or decreased over time?
The rate of gun deaths in Connecticut increased 25% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. While there has been an increase, Connecticut’s rise has been slower than the national average.
Who is most affected by gun violence in Connecticut?
White males over the age of 34 accounted for nearly 20% of the population in Connecticut but 64% of all gun suicide deaths in 2023, and half of all gun suicide deaths were people over the age of 54. Additionally, gun homicides are concentrated in Connecticut’s inner cities, particularly New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport.
How effective are Connecticut’s gun laws?
Connecticut is considered a national leader in gun violence prevention with some of the strongest gun safety laws. Research has shown that Connecticut’s permit-to-purchase law, implemented in 1995, was associated with a subsequent reduction in homicide rates.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-connecticut/
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/connecticut/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2015/connecticut-handgun-licensing-law-associated-with-40-percent-drop-in-gun-homicides
- https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-people-die-from-gun-related-injuries-in-the-us-each-month/state/connecticut/
- https://www.ctpost.com/projects/2020/death-by-gun/connecticut-gun-deaths/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/gun-violence-data/state-gun-violence-data/connecticut
- https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/state/connecticut/
