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

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.