Texas Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Texas, 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 Texas to help solve for the worst case security scenarios – especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about Texas 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 Texas Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Texas rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #1
4,630 fatalities in 2022, ranking them number 1 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #27
15.3 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas
- Dallas, TX
- Houston, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Fort Worth, TX
Top 5 Safest Cities in Texas
- Plano, TX
- Laredo, TX
- El Paso, TX
- Arlington, TX
- Irving, TX
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Texas’ Recent History
Texas 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 Texas’ history, serve as a solemn reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to gun safety and gun violence prevention.
Allen Outlet Mall Shooting (2023)
A man opened fire at the Allen Premium Outlets, killing eight people, and injuring at least seven others before being killed by police.
Uvalde Elementary School Shooting (2022)
A local man assaulted an elementary school in Uvalde county using a rifle, killing nineteen children and two adults.
El Paso Walmart Shooting (2019)
A gunman shot and killed 23 people, and injured 22 others, at a Walmart Supercenter in El Paso.
A Closer Look at Gun Violence Texas Gun Violence Statistics by City
Texas’ Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Like all states, Texas’ 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.
Several key methods for limiting gun violence in Texas:
- Enhanced background checks
- Enhanced safety measures for public schools including security personnel and metal detectors
- Red flag laws and extreme risk protection orders for individual cases
- Increased penalties for gun-related crimes
- Public services focusing on mental health support
- Awareness campaigns for gun safety and storage
While these approaches can and do have an impact on curbing gun violence in Texas, they are typically more reactive than preventative.
Why Texas Needs Help Why Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
Truthfully, we provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Texas. 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 Texas Gun Violence Statistics
How many gun-related deaths occur in Texas each year?
On average, Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest total number of gun deaths—reporting around 4,000 annually. These include homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings, with firearm suicides making up the largest share.
Is gun violence increasing in Texas?
Yes, firearm-related deaths have increased in recent years, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban homicides and rural suicides have both contributed to this upward trend.
Which cities in Texas have the highest gun violence rates?
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth report the highest numbers of gun-related incidents. El Paso and Austin also experience firearm violence, but at lower rates comparatively.
How does Texas compare to other states in terms of gun violence?
Texas has one of the highest total firearm death counts in the nation and ranks above the national average in firearm death rate per capita. Its large population and permissive gun laws are often cited as contributing factors.
What gun laws exist in Texas to address violence?
Texas allows permitless carry of handguns and does not require background checks for private sales. The state has relatively few gun control measures, though some cities have implemented local violence prevention strategies.
Are there gun violence prevention programs in Texas?
Yes, local efforts exist in cities like Houston and Dallas, including violence interruption programs, mental health services, and youth mentoring. Nonprofits and coalitions are also active in advocating for policy change and community education.
Sources (as of September 3, 2025)
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Allen,_Texas_mall_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvalde_school_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_El_Paso_shooting
- https://guides.sll.texas.gov/gun-laws
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
