ZeroEyes, known for developing the first AI-driven gun detection video analytics platform to receive the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation, has implemented its AI gun detection and situational awareness software at Stonegate Fellowship Church.
Stonegate is expanding its premises to include areas accessible to the public throughout the week, thus embracing ZeroEyes’ technology to secure both the church buildings and these newly available spaces.
Expansion at stonegate
Located in northwest Midland, Texas, Stonegate Fellowship serves the wider Permian Basin community. Since its inception with a modest gathering of 200 at Abell Junior High School in August 1999, Stonegate has experienced significant growth, now averaging a weekly attendance of 3,000.
The church offers a variety of programs during the week and multiple services on Sundays, and is in the process of expanding its facilities to include spaces for gatherings, Bible studies, work, and community interaction in a secure setting. The integration of ZeroEyes aims to safeguard members and the community against gun-related violence on its expanding campus.
Commitment to safety
ZeroEyes enhances church security through real-time camera monitoringThe Executive Pastor of Stonegate Fellowship, Larry Gilbert, noted, “Stonegate Fellowship uses ZeroEyes as part of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can worship, grow, and gather with peace of mind.”
He added that, as a church focused on community and safety, utilizing ZeroEyes enhances their security measures by monitoring existing cameras for potential threats, thereby facilitating prompt action and collaboration with local authorities. The intent is to maintain a secure yet welcoming atmosphere consistent with the church's mission.
Advanced technology for immediate response
ZeroEyes' software integrates with existing security camera systems. Upon identifying a firearm, the system captures images and transmits them immediately to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), notable for being the only fully U.S.-based and in-house operated center in the industry, run by trained veterans of the U.S. military and law enforcement, 24/7 year-round.
If the presence of a threat is confirmed, alerts with detailed intelligence — such as visual description, type of firearm, and last known location — are swiftly communicated to authorities and church leaders within seconds of detection.
Creating safe community spaces
Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, expressed pride in collaborating with Stonegate Fellowship as they enhance their facilities to accommodate community needs.
“By adding proactive gun detection to their safety strategy, they’re taking an important step to protect members and visitors alike. Together, we can help create safer spaces where people can worship, learn, and connect without fear,” he commented.
ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been deployed at Stonegate Fellowship Church.
Stonegate is expanding its campus to include areas that will be available to the public seven days a week, and has adopted ZeroEyes to help protect both the church building and these newly accessible spaces.
About Stonegate
Stonegate Fellowship is located on the northwest side of Midland, Texas but serves the larger Permian Basin community. The church began in August 1999 with its first worship service at Abell Junior High School, attended by about 200 people. Since then, Stonegate has grown exponentially, with attendance averaging 3,000 weekly.
Stonegate offers a wide range of programs and events during the week in addition to multiple services on Sunday mornings. The church is expanding its current building, which will include spaces to gather, participate in Bible studies, work, and connect in a safe, communal environment.
The adoption of ZeroEyes will help protect congregation members and the wider community from gun-related violence across the growing campus.
Providing a safe environment
“Stonegate Fellowship uses ZeroEyes as part of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can worship, grow, and gather with peace of mind,” said Larry Gilbert, Executive Pastor of Stonegate Fellowship.
“As a Christ-centered church with a heart for our community, we believe safety is a vital expression of care for our congregation, staff, and guests. ZeroEyes enhances our layered security approach by proactively monitoring existing cameras for potential gun-related threats, allowing for rapid response and coordination with local authorities if needed. This technology helps us remain prepared and vigilant while preserving the open, hospitable atmosphere that reflects the love of Christ.”
Software details
ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.
If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to local law enforcement and church leaders as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.
Safer spaces
“We’re honored to work with Stonegate Fellowship as they expand their campus to better serve their community,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes.
“By adding proactive gun detection to their safety strategy, they’re taking an important step to protect members and visitors alike. Together, we can help create safer spaces where people can worship, learn, and connect without fear.”
