Maryland Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we assess the scope of gun violence in Maryland, and what can facility managers and organizations effectively do to protect their communities?
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems. We work with organizations throughout Maryland to help address the most serious security scenarios – particularly active shooter incidents.
Here, we provide objective information about Maryland gun violence statistics and offer our perspective on the gaps in traditional security approaches for preventing casualty events. We’ll also examine how our own AI security technology can help keep people safer.
Where Does Maryland Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Maryland rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #24
813 fatalities in 2022, ranking them number 24 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #36
13.6 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Most Dangerous Cities in Maryland
- Baltimore, MD
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Frederick, MD
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Maryland’s Recent History
Maryland has experienced several tragic mass casualty events that demonstrate the ongoing threat of 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.
These incidents, now part of Maryland’s history, serve as sobering reminders of what’s at stake when it comes to gun safety and violence prevention.
Baltimore Shooting (2023)
Shooting broke out at a large celebration in Baltimore, leading to 2 deaths and 28 injured people
Aberdeen Rite-Aid Shooting (2018)
An employee of the Rite Aid distribution facility in Aberdeen shot and killed three others.
Capital Gazette Shooting (2018)
A gunman entered the offices of a newspaper publisher, shooting at and killing five employees.
Maryland’s Legislative Approach to Reducing Gun Violence
Like all states, Maryland has laws around firearm purchases and has implemented several strategies to address gun violence. Most prevention efforts at the state level focus on legislative measures, enhanced law enforcement, and community-based interventions.
Several key methods for limiting gun violence in Maryland:
- Assault weapons ban prohibiting the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms
- High-capacity magazine restrictions limiting capacity to 10 rounds
- Handgun Qualification License (HQL) requirement with fingerprinting and training
- Red flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) allowing temporary firearm removal
- Universal background checks for all firearm sales and transfers
- Seven-day waiting period for handgun purchases
- Enhanced penalties for gun-related crimes
- Mental health record reporting for firearm possession eligibility
While these approaches can and do have an impact on curbing gun violence in Maryland, they are typically more reactive than preventative.
Why Maryland Needs Help Why Maryland Organizations Need More Proactive Security Solutions
Most security systems today operate with built-in limitations that make them less effective for preventing a determined active shooter. On that front, these systems are better at documenting incidents than they are at actually stopping violence before it occurs.
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-Grade 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 Maryland facilities 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 Activating a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Threats
If an active threat is confirmed at your Maryland facility, there’s no time to waste. The situation calls for an immediate and comprehensive emergency response. 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 Maryland Organizations Are at Risk for Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to diverse industries across Maryland. Customers implementing AI gun detection find value in our flexible integrations with different technologies, though the specific applications vary. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Maryland Gun Violence Statistics
How many gun-related deaths occur in Maryland each year?
On average, Maryland reports approximately 700–800 gun-related deaths annually. Firearm homicides are concentrated in urban centers, while suicides are more common in rural and suburban areas.
Is gun violence increasing in Maryland?
Gun violence in Maryland has remained persistently high in some areas, especially Baltimore. While the state has implemented reforms, homicide rates have remained a concern in recent years.
Which cities in Maryland have the highest rates of gun violence?
Baltimore consistently has one of the highest firearm homicide rates in the country. Other cities like Annapolis and parts of Prince George’s County also report elevated gun violence, though at lower levels than Baltimore.
How does Maryland compare to other states in gun violence statistics?
Maryland’s overall gun death rate is near the national average, but its firearm homicide rate—especially in urban areas—is among the highest in the U.S. Stronger gun laws have helped reduce violence in some regions.
What gun laws are in place in Maryland?
Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including universal background checks, a red flag law, licensing requirements for handguns, and an assault weapons ban.
Are there any gun violence prevention programs in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland supports violence intervention programs like Safe Streets Baltimore, along with state-funded mental health and youth outreach initiatives. These aim to reduce shootings through community engagement and support services.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Baltimore_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen,_Maryland_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_Gazette_shooting
- https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/Firearms/RegulatedFirearmPurchases.aspx
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
