The Armed Citizen® December 16, 2016

by
posted on December 16, 2016
** 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. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (4)

In Chicago, a concealed-carry permit holder warded off an attack late one night. As the armed citizen was sitting with another man in his car, two aggressors with guns approached and attempted to rob the two men. The quick-thinking armed citizen thwarted the attack, firing at the bad guys and hitting one of them. The assailant who was shot was later declared dead at the scene, while the second bad guy got away. (DNAInfo.com, Chicago, IL, 9/29/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A deputy police officer was assisting the Florida Highway Patrol tend to an auto accident when a driver in another vehicle unrelated to the crash nearly struck him. Believing the incident was intentional, the officer began a chase along the southbound lanes of the interstate. The man stopped at an off ramp, got out of his car and approached the officer as he exited his patrol car, and slammed him to the ground. The officer was unable to break free and was struggling to retain his weapon from his attacker. A nearby witness, a CCW permit holder whom the sheriff’s office is calling a Good Samaritan, shot the man after he failed to heed his warnings for him to stop attacking the officer. The officer is recovering from his injuries. (The News-Press, Fort Myers, FL, 11/16/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1982
A jogger stepped into the Miami Lakes, Fla., real estate office of Gerri Fontanella, inquired about a townhouse and locked the door when she turned around. After ordering her to disrobe, he stabbed her in the stomach, then forced her into a back room. When he looked away, Fontanella was able to unstrap a small pistol secured to her ankle and fire a shot that grazed the assailant. The man fled but was later apprehended and charged with several counts, including attempted first-degree murder. (The Herald, Miami, FL)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.