New data collected by The Trace, a non-profit media outlet focused on covering gun-related news in the U.S., reveals that Alabama had the fifth-highest rate of gun violence in the U.S. between 2014 and 2024.
With a rate of 213.6 shooting incidents per 100,000 residents, Alabama ranks fifth in gun violence per capita during that period, roughly 83 percent higher than the national average rate of 116.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. In total, Alabama recorded 10,522 shooting incidents from 2014 to 2024.
While Alabama ranked fifth, fellow Southeastern state Louisiana recorded the highest number of shooting incidents per 100,000 residents during the past decade with a rate of 323.9 shooting incidents per 100,000 residents. Illinois ranked second with a rate of 288.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, followed by Mississippi (233.0) and Delaware (222.8).
Gun violence in Alabama has been a key focus for some state lawmakers during this year’s legislative session following a record year for homicides and gun violence in the city of Birmingham in 2024.
In March, SB116, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, became the first piece of gun reform legislation to pass the Alabama House of Representatives since 2010. The bill, which makes the possession of a Glock switch — a device that converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic firearm — a Class C felony, was subsequently signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Rep. Philip Ensler, D-Montgomery, one of the key architects behind the Glock switch ban, has been one of the most outspoken advocates for gun reform in the state. In addition to banning Glock switches, Ensler has also pushed for the continuation of a conflict resolution program in schools, expanded mental health counseling for students and educators, and grants aimed at improving neighborhood safety. Although no bills addressing these concerns have been passed this session, SB116’s passage could be a good omen for future legislation.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has also been a proponent for gun reform in Alabama, creating various initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence in the city and urging lawmakers in Montgomery to address gun violence at the state level.
With leaders like Ensler and Woodfin continuing to push for change, and with the recent passage of SB116 with bipartisan support, it is possible that Alabama may be taking first steps toward addressing the startling gun violence statistics highlighted by The Trace.
