North Carolina Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina—from Research Triangle tech companies to textile manufacturers, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities—to help solve for the worst case security scenarios, especially active shooter events.
North Carolina’s diverse economy and growing population create unique security challenges that traditional systems often fail to address. Here, we provide objective information about gun violence in North Carolina and offer insight on the limitations of conventional security approaches for preventing casualty events. We’ll also explore how our AI security technology can help keep your people safer, whether you’re managing a sprawling corporate campus, a manufacturing facility, or a public venue.
Where Does North Carolina Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does North Carolina rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #6
1,803 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 6 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #21
16.4 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina
- Greensboro
- Fayetteville
- Durham
- Winston Salem
- High Point
Top 5 Safest Cities in North Carolina
- Davidson
- Rolesville
- Whispering Pines
- Pinehurst
- Waxhaw
Significant Mass Shooting Events in North Carolina’s Recent History
North Carolina, like communities across the nation, continues to face 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.
Southport Shooting (2025)
A man on a boat coming up Cape Fear River opened fire on an outdoor bar on the shore of the Intracoastal Waterway, killing three people and wounding six others. A suspect was apprehended loading their boat at a public boat ramp in Oak Island to the west shortly afterwards.
Raleigh Shootings (2022)
The shooter, a teenager, went on a shooting spree along the Neuse River Trail greenway and surrounding neighborhood, killing five and wounding 2 others.
UNC Charlotte Shooting (2019)
Six people were shot, two fatally, on the last day of classes at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The student gunman was taken into custody after he ran out of ammunition.
North Carolina’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
North Carolina has adopted a public health approach to violence prevention striving to reduce violence and increase public safety.
- Implementing a Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan as a three-year roadmap for violence reduction and firearm misuse prevention across the state
- Launching NC S.A.F.E. – a public awareness campaign promoting safe storage of firearms
- Breaking down silos between law enforcement and public health officials through increased partnership and coordination
- Equipping communities with infrastructure, training, and resources for evidence-based violence prevention strategies
- Improving access to critical resources including mental health and substance use-disorder services.
While early evaluations of violence prevention programs like Alternatives to Violence in Mecklenburg County found promising results including significantly lower gun crimes in program areas, comprehensive statewide impact data is still being collected and evaluated. The relative newness of North Carolina’s coordinated approach means sustained outcomes will become clearer as programs mature and more evaluation data becomes available.
Why North Carolina Needs Help Why North Carolina 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 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 active threat is confirmed at your North Carolina 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 North Carolina Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in North Carolina. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About North Carolina Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in North Carolina each year?
In 2023, an estimated 1,800 people died from gun-related injuries in North Carolina, including homicides, suicides, accidents, and other incidents where shooting was the primary cause of death. On average, roughly five North Carolinians die per day from gun violence.
What percentage of gun deaths are suicides versus homicides?
In 2023, 96% of gun-related deaths in North Carolina were either suicides or homicides, with about 55% of the state’s gun-related deaths being suicides. Suicides account for 60% of all gun deaths in North Carolina, with an average of roughly 810 people in the state dying by gun suicide every year.
How do gun death rates vary across North Carolina counties?
In 2023, the highest rate of gun-related deaths in North Carolina occurred in Robeson County (50.6 per 100,000 people), while the lowest rate was in Wake County (9.9 per 100,000).
Which populations are disproportionately impacted by firearm homicides?
Black males aged 15-34 have a firearm homicide rate 15 times higher than White males of the same age group. Additionally, firearm violence is the leading cause of death among North Carolina youth aged 1 to 17.
What is the economic impact of gun violence in North Carolina?
Deaths and injuries due to gun violence cost North Carolina an estimated $19.5 billion annually.
Sources (as of December 23, 2025)
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-north-carolina/
- https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/11/12/governor-cooper-announces-community-violence-prevention-strategic-plan-developed-north-carolina
- https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/current-initiatives/north-carolina-office-violence-prevention
- https://www.thetrace.org/2023/08/gun-violence-mecklenberg-county-nc/
- https://ncchurches.org/priorities/gun-violence-prevention/
- https://raleighnc.gov/RaleighPDandme
