The Armed Citizen® Jan. 3, 2025

by
posted on January 3, 2025
** 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 employee arriving to work in Hewitt, Texas, was able to defend himself from a surprise attack from a rifle-wielding attacker, according to police reports.

Officers say the victim arrived at his place of work, parked inside of the lot and was immediately blocked in by another vehicle driven by the suspect, who had been lying in wait. The 37-year-old attacker then sprayed the victim with pepper spray before switching to a rifle. He then attempted to shoot the victim multiple times with the rifle. The victim was armed and able to return fire, and he struck the attacker twice.

The wounded suspect then fled the scene before police arrived. Officers later found the suspect at a local hospital, where he had driven to seek treatment for his gunshot wounds. The man was taken into custody and currently faces a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. (Waco Tribune-Herald; Waco, Texas; 11/8/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – January 1980

Steve Menich, a disabled veteran, was sleeping alone at his Ohioville, Pa., home when the burglar alarm sounded. Armed with a pistol, Menich slowly searched the house. When he opened the cellar door, he was attacked by several intruders. Struck on the head and knocked to the floor, Menich still managed to fire several rounds at the intruders, all of whom quickly fled. (The Beaver County Times; Beaver, Pa.)

Latest

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 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.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.