The Armed Citizen® July 9, 2021

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

by
posted on July 9, 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 Dale City, Va., homeowner was awakened to strange sounds inside his home on the night of July 6, 2021.

The homeowner was asleep that Tuesday night, when the sounds of banging at the front of the home woke him up some time before 10:00 p.m. After getting up to investigate, the homeowner heard noises coming from a living room window. Walking out to investigate further, the homeowner found a stranger attempting to force his way in through the window.

In response, homeowner drew a handgun and shot the would-be home invader several times. Immediately after, the homeowner called authorities at 9:55 p.m. When police arrived on scene, they found the 43-year-old intruder critically wounded from the defensive shots. The intruder was flown by helicopter to a medical center in critical condition, but is expected to survive. The homeowner has not been charged for his defensive act. (insidenova.com, Woodbridge, Va., 07/16/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - May 1987

A wheelchair-bound Fort Worth, Tex., man was awakened by a burglar who pushed the 77-year-old resident out of his recliner. Falling into his wheelchair, the handicapped homeowner grabbed a handgun and while the criminal hid behind a chair, called the police. The homeowner then retreated to another room. After hearing gunshots, the resident saw the intruder had armed himself with a shotgun. He then shot and killed the intruder. (The Chronicle, Houston, Tex.)

Latest

Springfield SA 35 4 01
Springfield SA 35 4 01

A New Compact High Power: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4"

Just as the slide and barrel of a full-size 1911 is sometimes shortened to make it more concealable, Springfield Armory is taking its SA-35 pistol and offering it with a shortened 4-inch barrel. 

Mob Defense: How to Stay Safe from a Crowd

Imagine yourself alone or with your family or a small group where you suddenly find yourself in a situation where a mob starts forming up around you and appears hostile. What are some recommended courses of action you can take?

Firearm and Ammo Sales Soaring in Virginia

Ahead of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's anticipated signing of a slate of gun-control bills, firearm and ammunition sales are soaring in the Old Dominion.

Review: Ruger Harrier

Ruger’s new Harrier AR-15-style rifle proves to be a great entry-level, multi-purpose carbine.

New For 2026: Canik Mete MC9 Prime Radian

Building on the company's initial Mete MC9 Prime design, Canik added a Radian Weapons Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel to create the new MC9 Prime Radian.

The Armed Citizen® April 6, 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.