The Armed Citizen® July 12, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their 2nd Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on July 12, 2021
** 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

A bystander in Chicago, Ill., stepped in to the defense of others when an armed man began shooting on the night of July 4, 2021.

It all started around 10:45 p.m. that Sunday night, when a man walked up onto a group of three people in an alleyway, in the suburb of Austin. The man suddenly pulled out a gun, and began firing on the trio. A woman in the group was struck in the head. The other two victims, both men, were also hit and wounded. As this occurred, a bystander witnessed the scene and chose to react.

Rushing into the defense of the victims, the 49-year-old bystander pulled his concealed-carry pistol and fired on the assailant. The assailant was struck twice by the Samaritan's shots, being hit in the arm and hip. The wounded victims were taken to a local medical center, where they have been stabilized. As for the assailant, he was also taken to a medical center in serious condition and is now in police custody. (chicago.suntimes.com, Chicago, Ill., 07/05/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - June 1987

An elderly Seat Pleasant, Md., man in poor health was working in his basement when he heard a burglar attempting to break into an upper window. The 76-year-old homeowner ordered the crowbar-wielding burglar to leave, but, when the intruder refused, the resident went for his gun. After the man again refused to leave, the homeowner fired and wounded the intruder, then held the man on a ladder until police arrived. Authorities said the elderly resident would not be charged. (The Journal, Prince George's County, Md.)

Latest

CZ 75 Legend 01
CZ 75 Legend 01

The CZ 75 Legend: Rebirth of an Icon

If you make a short list of the most influential handgun designs of the 20th century, the CZ 75 would make the cut. A half century since its introduction, CZ is honoring that legendary status with the CZ 75 Legend.

39 New Rifles for 2026

Today's new rifles run the gamut from the latest and greatest packed with the most up-to-date features money can buy to retro-inspired models that give us a glimpse of the way things used to be if you wanted to send a bullet "over there somewhere."

The Armed Citizen® June 1, 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.

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

Review: Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm Riflescope

With a 10X magnification range, the Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm riflescope is ideal for close-range targets, long-range pursuits and everything in between.

Study Shows Widespread Public Approval for Self-Defense, Recreational Shooting

Research conducted by Responsive Management annually for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) found that, in 2025, 78 percent of adult residents in the United States believe learning self-defense skills with a firearm is completely acceptable.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.