A Nashville school district spent nearly $1 million on AI gun detection software, but the system failed to spot a shooter in the halls of Antioch High School last week. The incident has left many wondering how this high-tech solution missed the mark.

The gun detection tool, called Omnilert, uses AI to scan surveillance footage for visible weapons. If it spots one, it sends an alert within seconds to school staff or law enforcement. However, in this case, the 17-year-old shooter’s gun wasn’t visible long enough for the system to catch it, according to district officials.

The technology is designed to detect weapons before shots are fired, but it’s not foolproof. Omnilert’s CEO, Dave Fraser, explained that the system only works if the camera can see the gun. “The gun was not visible, so the system didn’t activate,” he said.

Critics argue that gun detection software like Omnilert has serious limitations. “It’s nearly useless if the weapon is concealed,” said Chad Marlow of the American Civil Liberties Union. “By the time the gun is visible, it’s often too late to prevent a tragedy.”

Some experts suggest that schools should focus on a mix of security measures, including mental health support and better access controls, rather than relying solely on AI. “If you’re counting on a system to keep guns out of schools, you’ve already lost,” said Marc Zimmerman, a firearm injury prevention researcher.

The Nashville district is now adding scanners with advanced sensors to detect weapons as students enter. But even these high-tech solutions have faced scrutiny for overpromising their capabilities.

As schools across the country grapple with the threat of gun violence, one thing is clear: no single technology can solve the problem. Parents, schools, and communities will need to work together to find comprehensive solutions that keep students safe.