Tennessee Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee to help solve for the worst case security scenarios – especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about Tennessee 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 Tennessee Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Tennessee rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #12
1,480 fatalities in 2022, ranking them number 12 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #11
20.5 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 4 Most Dangerous Cities in Tennessee
- Memphis, TN
- Jackson, TN
- Nashville Metropolitan, TN
- Chattanooga, TN
Top 4 Safest Cities in Tennessee
- Johnson City, TN
- Franklin, TN
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Clarksville, TN
Notable Mass Shooting Events in Tennessee’s Recent History
Tennessee has experienced several tragic mass casualty events that highlight the ongoing need for better security measures. 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 tragic events serve as a reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to improving gun safety and violence prevention in Tennessee communities.
Covenant School Shooting (2023)
A former student opened fire at a school in the Green Hills neighborhood, killing 6 and injuring 1 police officer.
Chattanooga Nightclub Shooting (2022)
Twelve people were shot, resulting in 2 deaths, when a gunman began shooting in a nightclub.
Collierville Kroger Shooting (2021)
A shooter opened fire in a Kroger, killing 1 and injuring 14, before taking his own life.
Tennessee’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Tennessee maintains some of the most permissive firearm laws in the country. The state’s prevention efforts typically focus on enforcement, education, and response capabilities rather than access restrictions.
Several key methods for limiting gun violence in Tennessee:
- Constitutional carry law allowing most adults to carry handguns without permits
- Enhanced school security funding and armed personnel in educational facilities
- Legislation allowing trained teachers and staff to carry firearms on school grounds
- Improved training for law enforcement response to active shooter scenarios
- Mental health crisis intervention programs and reporting requirements
- Penalties for providing firearms to individuals with recent mental health treatment
While these approaches can and do have an impact on curbing gun violence in Tennessee, they are typically more reactive than preventative.
Why Tennessee Needs Help Why Tennessee Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Tennessee facilities face unique security challenges given the state’s high rate of gun ownership and permissive carry laws. Traditional security systems often fall short when it comes to preventing determined threats, particularly in environments where firearms are commonly present.
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 Tennessee 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 Shooters
When a confirmed threat emerges at your Tennessee facility, there’s no time for delays. The situation demands immediate, comprehensive emergency response. Organizations using our platform activate automated response sequences across multiple integrated systems to maximize protection.
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 Tennessee Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
Truthfully, we provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Tennessee. 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.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common Questions About Tennessee Gun Violence Statistics
How many gun-related deaths occur in Tennessee each year?
Tennessee reports approximately 1,400 to 1,600 firearm-related deaths annually. Both firearm homicides and suicides contribute significantly to this total, with rates well above the national average.
Is gun violence increasing in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee has experienced a noticeable increase in gun violence in recent years, particularly in urban areas like Memphis and Nashville. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated these trends.
Which cities in Tennessee have the highest gun violence rates?
Memphis consistently ranks among the most violent cities in the U.S. for firearm-related crime. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville also experience significant levels of gun violence, though to a lesser extent.
How does Tennessee compare to other states in terms of gun violence?
Tennessee ranks among the top 10 states for highest firearm death rates per capita. The state struggles with both urban gun crime and high suicide rates in its rural communities.
What gun laws are currently in place in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows permitless carry for handguns and does not require background checks for private sales. It has limited restrictions compared to states with lower firearm death rates, though there is growing debate around reforms.
Are there any gun violence prevention programs in Tennessee?
Yes, cities like Memphis and Nashville have implemented violence interruption programs and community-based outreach. Mental health and youth development initiatives are also supported by local organizations and faith groups.
Sources (as of Sept 3, 2025)
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Nashville_school_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Chattanooga_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collierville_Kroger_shooting
- https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/state/tennessee/
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
