A teenage survivor of a January 2025 school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, has sued the manufacturer of an ‘AI gun detection’ system which failed to spot a handgun. The security firm Omnilert is accused of overselling its technology, with marketing materials stating it could have prevented tragedies like Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

In court documents, lawyers cite the company’s website, where it promised accurate readings and timely alerts despite limitations based on camera placement and weapon visibility. The system failed to detect a weapon in time, leading to two deaths, including the shooter.

The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools had installed this AI detection layer as part of their security infrastructure, but after the shooting, they stated that due to the shooter’s positioning, cameras couldn’t get an accurate read. Despite these conditions, Omnilert's marketing promised more than it could deliver, raising ethical questions about the use of AI in public safety.

Co-founder Ara Bagdasarian and System Integrations did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit highlights the potential risks of relying on untested or mischaracterised technology during emergencies.