New York Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in New York, 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 New York to help solve for the worst case security scenarios – especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about New York 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 New York Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does New York rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #18
1,044 fatalities in 2022, ranking them number 3 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #47
5.3 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 4 Most Dangerous Cities in New York
- Buffalo, NY
- Rochester, NY
- Syracuse, NY
- Albany, NY
Top 4 Safest Cities in New York
- New Rochelle, NY
- Yonkers, NY
- New York, NY
- Mount Vernon, NY
Tragic Mass Shooting Events in New York’s History
New York has unfortunately experienced several devastating mass casualty events that highlight 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 serve as stark reminders of what’s at stake when it comes to facility security and public safety.
Buffalo, NY Shooting (2022)
An armored gunman opened fire at a supermarket, killing 10 and wounding 3 others.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Shooting (2017)
A former employee killed a doctor and wounded 6 others during a shooting at a New York hospital.
Empire State Building Shooting (2012)
A man engaged in a shoot-out at the Empire State Building, killing 2 and injuring 9 others.
New York’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
New York has implemented some of the strongest gun laws in the country and continues to be an innovator in gun violence prevention. Governor Hochul announced that gun violence in New York State has declined 47 percent since she took office in 2021, demonstrating the effectiveness of the state’s comprehensive approach.
Key aspects of New York’s gun violence prevention strategy:
- Red flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) allowing law enforcement and family members to petition courts to temporarily prevent someone in crisis from accessing guns
- Pistol permits required for all handgun possession, with three types available: premises-only, restricted (target/hunting), and unrestricted concealed carry
- NY SAFE Act restrictions on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds)
- Microstamping technology requirements for new handguns sold in the state
- Gun industry liability laws holding manufacturers and dealers accountable for dangerous business practices
- Safe storage requirements mandating firearms be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition in certain circumstances
- Point-of-sale warnings about firearm risks, similar to tobacco warnings
While these approaches can and do have an impact on curbing gun violence in New York, they are typically more reactive than preventative.
Why New York Needs Help Why New York Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Even with strong state-level gun laws, most security systems today have built-in limitations that make them less effective at preventing determined attackers. These systems are often better at documenting incidents than 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 New York 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 a threat is confirmed at your New York facility, immediate action across multiple systems can help protect lives. Facilities using Omnilert activate coordinated emergency responses that maximize every critical second.
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 New York Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We work with facilities throughout New York State, from New York City office buildings to Buffalo healthcare centers to Rochester educational institutions. Each environment brings unique security challenges, but they all share the same core need: early threat detection that works faster than human response times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About New York Gun Violence Statistics
How many gun-related deaths occur in New York each year?
On average, New York reports approximately 900 to 1,100 firearm-related deaths annually. While the state has a relatively low firearm death rate per capita, urban centers still face concentrated challenges with gun violence.
Is gun violence increasing in New York?
Gun violence in New York rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in major cities like New York City and Buffalo. However, recent trends show signs of stabilization or decline due to expanded prevention efforts.
Which cities in New York have the highest rates of gun violence?
New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse report the highest levels of gun-related crime. Within NYC, gun violence is most prevalent in specific boroughs such as the Bronx and Brooklyn.
How does New York compare to other states in gun violence statistics?
New York ranks among the states with the lowest firearm death rates per capita, largely due to its strict gun laws, large population and robust law enforcement strategies. However, disparities remain within city vs. rural areas.
What gun laws are in place in New York to address violence?
New York has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, including universal background checks, red flag laws, assault weapons bans, and strict permitting requirements for both purchase and carry. These measures aim to prevent both mass shootings and everyday gun crime.
Are there gun violence prevention programs in New York?
Yes. Programs like Cure Violence, SNUG, and city-funded initiatives in NYC, Buffalo, and Rochester provide violence interruption, youth mentoring, trauma recovery, and community engagement services.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Buffalo_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronx-Lebanon_Hospital_attack
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Empire_State_Building_shooting
- https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/state/new-york/
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
