The Armed Citizen® Dec. 1, 2023

by
posted on December 1, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

An armed son defended his father outside a Papa John's pizzeria in Lumberton, Texas, on Nov. 15, 2023, killing the suspected assailant in the process. Police are calling it a clear-cut case of self-defense, and no charges have been filed.

"It's pretty much cut and dried," Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins said. "It's a son protecting his dad."

The father and son were outside the pizzeria that evening, preparing to pick up an order, when the dad encountered the 51-year-old assailant. According to workers, the man was angry at the staff and was described as being "possibly intoxicated." After walking out the door, he threw a pizza box at the father, who asked the man what he was doing. The suspect then pulled out a 9 mm handgun from his pocket and pointed it at the dad.

After getting out from the passenger side of a pick-up truck, the son saw the assailant pull out the gun and aim it at his father. He immediately drew his holstered handgun and fired four to six shots. One of the shots struck the 51-year-old suspect in the head, and he died at the scene. The father suffered a minor wound to the wrist from a bullet ricochet. (6KDFM; Lumberton, Texas; 11/15/2023)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – February 1973

While watching TV in her Las Vegas, Nev., home, 80-year-old Gladys Cunningham heard the glass in her back door shatter. Two men, one masked, were trying to force entry. Getting a gun, she fired a single shot that started the men running. (Las Vegas Review Journal; Las Vegas, Nev.)

Latest

Daniel Defense H9
Daniel Defense H9

Review: Daniel Defense H9

Is the third time the charm? Daniel Defense has introduced a third version of the Hudson H9 pistol. Smaller, lighter and less radical, it could be “the one.”

Supreme Plus: Ranger Point Precision & Line49 Rifle Henry LASR Conversions

A new collaboration between modern lever-action specialists Ranger Point Precision and Line49 Rifle transforms Henry’s groundbreaking Lever Action Supreme Rifle.

The Armed Citizen® June 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge

The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics

Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.

Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels

One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.