Michigan Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Michigan, 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 all across Michigan to help solve for the worst case security scenarios – especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about Michigan gun violence statistics 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 Michigan Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Michigan rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #10
1,504 fatalities in 2022, ranking them number 10 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #28
15 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
- Detroit, MI
- Flint, MI
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Lansing, MI
- Warren, MI
Top 5 Safest Cities in Michigan
- Troy, MI
- Sterling Heights, MI
- Southfield, MI
- Livonia, MI
- Dearborn, MI
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Michigan’s Recent History
Michigan is unfortunately not an exception when it comes to the reality of 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.
These events, now enshrined as part of Michigan’s history, serve as a solemn reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to gun safety and gun violence prevention.
Rochester Hills Splash Pad Shooting (2024)
A man randomly shot nine people including two children at a splash pad in Rochester Hills.
Michigan State University Shooting (2023)
Three people were killed and five others injured when a gunman opened fire at a university.
Oxford High School Shooting (2021)
A student used a semi-automatic handgun at a high school killing 4 and injuring 7 others.
Michigan’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Like all states, Michigan has its own state gun laws and has implemented some strategies to address gun violence. Most prevention efforts at the state level focus on policy changes, enhanced law enforcement, and community-based interventions. Following the Oxford and MSU tragedies, Michigan enacted comprehensive gun safety legislation that took effect in February 2024.
Several key methods for limiting gun violence in Michigan:
- Universal background checks for all firearm purchases (including long guns from private sellers)
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (red flag laws) allowing temporary firearm removal from individuals who pose a risk
- Mandatory safe storage requirements when firearms could be accessible to minors
- Extended firearm prohibitions for domestic violence convictions (expanded to 8 years for both misdemeanors and felonies)
- Enhanced school security measures including personnel and technology upgrades
- Mental health support and crisis intervention programs
- Tax exemptions for gun safety storage devices to encourage proper firearm storage
While these approaches can and do have an impact on curbing gun violence in Michigan, they are typically more reactive than preventative.
Why Michigan Needs Help Why Michigan 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-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 Michigan 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 Engaging a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an active threat is confirmed at your Michigan facility, there’s no time to waste. The situation calls for an immediate and complete 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 Michigan Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
Truthfully, we provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Michigan. Customers that are 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 Michigan Gun Violence Statistics
How many gun-related deaths occur in Michigan each year?
On average, Michigan records approximately 1,300 to 1,500 firearm-related deaths each year. A significant share of these are suicides, followed by homicides primarily in urban areas.
Is gun violence increasing in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan has seen a rise in gun violence over the past several years, particularly in firearm homicides. While the pandemic years saw a sharp increase, recent efforts are focused on reversing that trend.
Which Michigan cities have the highest rates of gun violence?
Detroit has the highest firearm homicide rate in the state and is among the highest in the nation. Flint, Saginaw, and Lansing also experience elevated levels of gun violence per capita.
How does Michigan compare to other states in gun violence?
Michigan’s overall firearm death rate is close to the national average, but certain cities exceed national homicide rates significantly. The state faces both urban gun crime and rural suicide-related challenges.
What gun laws does Michigan have in place?
Michigan requires background checks for all handgun purchases and mandates permits for concealed carry. However, it does not require background checks for long gun private sales and does not currently have a red flag law—though proposals have been introduced.
Are there gun violence prevention programs in Michigan?
Yes, programs like Advance Peace Detroit, Cure Violence, and other community-based initiatives work to reduce shootings. The state also funds mental health and youth-focused prevention strategies.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Rochester_Hills_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Michigan_State_University_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_High_School_shooting
- https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/firearms
- https://firearminjury.umich.edu/mi-firearm-laws/
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
