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

Weatherby New Magnums 01
Weatherby New Magnums 01

Enough Gun: Weatherby's New Mark V Frontier & Dangerous Game Rifle

Weatherby's new Mark V Frontier and Dangerous Game Rifle (DRG) are ultra-reliable, accurate and devastatingly powerful rifles designed to go after the nastiest creatures on four legs the world has to offer.

Preview: Safariland Pro Impulse Bluetooth

One of several new additions to Safariland’s Impulse line of hearing-protection solutions, the Pro Impulse Bluetooth is a set of Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs that is equally easy on your ears and your pocketbook.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 2025

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 Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.