The Armed Citizen® Aug. 19, 2024

Armed Citizen® Today

A critically injured homeowner in Wilmington, N.C., returned fire against an armed intruder at his front door, saving his own life and the life of his wife.

At about 3 a.m., the 62-year-old homeowner was awakened by the ringing of his front doorbell and pounding on the door. He got up and opened the door for the 74-year-old suspect, who immediately opened fire, critically wounding him. The homeowner's wife attempted to shut the front door as their attacker tried to force his way in. During the struggle, the wounded homeowner grabbed his gun and fired once. The round passed through the door and struck the suspect in the head, killing him.

The homeowner was rushed to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition. He faces no charges. "Last night, a homeowner faced a dire situation when a suspect attempted to forcefully enter his home. In defense of his life and property, the homeowner acted within his rights," New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon said in a release. "Our investigation has determined that the homeowner used necessary force to protect himself and his family." (Star News Online; New Hanover, N.C.; 7/13/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – November 1962

While moving into a new home in North Hollywood, Calif., Robert Fuller, an actor in a television Western series, heard noises at a window. He grabbed a pistol, dashed out the front door and caught a man about to crawl through a window. Fuller held the man at gunpoint while a passing motorist called police. (Associated Press)