An AI-powered weapon detection system at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, failed to identify the handgun used by 17-year-old student Solomon Henderson in a tragic shooting that killed a 16-year-old girl, officials revealed.
The software, known as Omnilert, did not detect the weapon due to the placement of the school’s cameras, Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson Sean Braisted explained during a Thursday press conference. However, the system did activate when responding police officers displayed their weapons.
Omnilert integrates with existing camera networks and uses AI to identify firearms, triggering alerts when weapons are detected. “In this instance, the shooter’s proximity to the cameras meant the firearm was not visible enough for the system to activate,” said Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser. He clarified that the system’s failure was due to camera positioning, not a flaw in its recognition capabilities.
Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle emphasized that no single safety system can guarantee complete protection. “There is not one system that is 100% effective,” she stated. The school also employs other safety measures, including AI at entry points, security vestibules, and school resource officers.
Braisted added, “These systems are designed to work with visible inputs, but their effectiveness depends on the location of the cameras. This is why we implement additional safety protocols.” He also highlighted broader societal concerns about how a 17-year-old obtained a firearm, noting that such issues extend beyond the school district’s scope.
The incident underscores the limitations of high-tech security solutions and the risks of over-reliance on them, experts say. Donald Maye, head of operations at surveillance research firm IPVM, noted that even with significant investments in technology, gaps remain. “These systems aren’t foolproof and may not prevent every act of violence,” he said.
Amy Klinger, director of the Educator’s School Safety Network, stressed the importance of fostering trust among students, teachers, and administrators to identify warning signs like erratic behavior or concerning social media activity. “Technology can complement these efforts, but it cannot replace them,” she said.
Some have questioned why the school did not use metal detectors. Battle explained that research shows both benefits and drawbacks to their use. “We want the first interaction students have to be with their principals, teachers, and peers—not security equipment,” she said.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Henderson, described as an active student, reportedly took the school bus before opening fire in the cafeteria. He killed Josselin Corea Escalante and grazed another student before fatally shooting himself. Police are reviewing online materials believed to be linked to Henderson as part of their investigation.
