Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, has recently been the site of a tragic shooting incident. In response, many are raising concerns about the effectiveness of Omnilert, the AI-driven weapons detection system implemented at the school. Dave Fraser, the company’s CEO, has addressed both the benefits and limitations of such AI security systems. “Our system operates by continuously monitoring video feeds, effectively taking on the role of a human observer, ” Fraser explained to Fox Business.

“For it to function properly, it must be capable of detecting a weapon in a manner similar to how a human would. ” He pointed out that unlike conventional surveillance systems, which are typically reactive, Omnilert is designed as a proactive safety measure that should be used in conjunction with other strategies. “The visual detection method, which is innovative, provides interesting advantages when integrated with additional technologies, ” Fraser noted. Regarding the Nashville incident, he mentioned that the shooting occurred “out of the field of view, ” rendering it “impossible” for Omnilert to detect the weapon and identify the danger. In February 2023, the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) board approved a $1 million contract with Omnilert for its AI gun detection system, which is scheduled to conclude on November 30, 2025, according to local news station WKRN. Fraser emphasized to Fox Business that the Omnilert system is built for rapid response since “time is critical” in emergencies. “If it can identify a weapon, it will usually do so in under a second, at which point the data regarding the potential threat is sent to human operators for confirmation. ” Once a threat is confirmed, Omnilert can automatically activate other security measures, such as alarms or door locks. However, Fraser acknowledges the imperfection of any single system, advocating for the integration of Omnilert with additional safety protocols. The “bottom line, ” he asserts, is to implement “multiple layers of defense. ” On its website, Omnilert outlines a comprehensive strategy for school safety, recommending staff training, onsite security, surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and other measures alongside the AI detection system. According to Omnilert’s recently released annual gun violence report, preceding the Antioch High School tragedy, the year 2024 recorded the second-highest incidence of K-12 school shootings since 1966. In the aftermath of the shooting, Fran Bush, a former member of the Metro Nashville Public Schools board, expressed to the New York Post that she "foresaw this day coming. " “I always knew it would happen because it’s like an open door with everyone coming in, ” Bush remarked, adding that she had advocated for the introduction of metal detectors within the school district, but her efforts were unsuccessful.