Rhode Island Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Rhode Island, 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 throughout Rhode Island—from the historic Newport mansions to bustling Narragansett Bay waterfronts to corporate offices—to help solve for the worst-case security scenarios, especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about gun violence in our state and offer our insight on the limitations of traditional security systems for preventing casualty events. Just as Rhode Island’s iconic estates required thoughtful approaches to protection, today’s organizations need sophisticated, modern solutions. We’ll examine how our own AI security technology can help keep people safer.
Where Does Rhode Island Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Rhode Island rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #50
58 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 50 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #47
4.8 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Rhode Island
- Providence
- Pawtucket
- Warwick
- Woonsocket
- Central Falls
Top 5 Safest Cities in Rhode Island
- Bristol
- South Kingstown
- Cumberland
- North Kingstown
- Smithfield
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Rhode Island’s Recent History
Even in Rhode Island, one of the nation’s safer states, the threat of mass casualty events from gun violence is a reality that organizations must prepare for. 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.
Woonsocket Shooting (2025)
Teen shoots girlfriend, injuring her, killing her mother, and the mother’s boyfriend.
Providence Shooting (2023)
The first shooting occurred on March 12, 2023 on Jenkins St., and according to witnesses, the perpetrator shot at three victims, including a 9-year-old boy. The second shooting occurred four days later at the intersection of North Main and Olney St., where witnesses said the same perpetrator, in a white SUV, fired shots at a blue SUV, hitting another vehicle.
Rhode Island’S Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Rhode Island has taken a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to limiting gun violence through a series of targeted legislative measures. The state ranks 13th nationally in gun law strength.
- Red Flag Laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders)
- Assault Weapons Ban
- High-Capacity Magazine Restrictions
- Ghost Gun Prohibition
- Minimum Age Restrictions and Safe Storage
While Rhode Island experiences one of the lowest gun death rates in the country, its relatively low rate of violence is attributed in part to the very limited prevalence of guns in the state—Rhode Island has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the country. However, the rate of gun deaths increased 62% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide, suggesting that despite strong gun laws, Rhode Island is still grappling with rising trends in gun violence.
Why Rhode Island Needs Help Why Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Rhode Island. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Rhode Island Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in Rhode Island each year?
In an average year, 52 people die from gun violence in Rhode Island, meaning someone dies from gun violence every seven days. Sixty-one percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 36% are gun homicides.
How has Rhode Island’s gun death rate changed over time?
The rate of gun deaths increased 62% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. More specifically, the overall gun death rate increased by 55% in 2023 compared to 2022, mainly due to the increase in gun suicides. From 2014 to 2023, the overall gun death rate increased by 60%.
How does Rhode Island rank nationally for gun deaths?
In 2023, Rhode Island had the fourth lowest gun death rate among the states. However, while Rhode Island had the 5th lowest gun suicide rate in the country in 2023, the state’s overall gun suicide rate increased by 76% from 2014 to 2023.
What is the economic impact of gun violence in Rhode Island?
Gun violence costs Rhode Island $752 million each year.
What is Rhode Island’s gun law strength ranking?
Rhode Island ranks number 13 nationally in gun law strength, but experiences one of the lowest gun death rates. The state’s relatively low rate of violence may be attributed in part to the very limited prevalence of guns in the state—Rhode Island has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the country.
Sources (as of December 23, 2025)
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.areavibes.com/ri/most-dangerous-cities/
- https://www.aggressivelegalservices.com/here-are-5-of-the-most-dangerous-cities-in-rhode-island/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-rhode-island/
- https://reolink.com/blog/safest-cities-in-rhode-island/
- https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/ri/
- https://www.aggressivelegalservices.com/here-are-5-of-the-most-dangerous-cities-in-rhode-island/
- https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-rhode-island/
- https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ri/crime
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/rhode-island/
- https://www.areavibes.com/ri/most-dangerous-cities/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-rhode-island/
