The Armed Citizen® Nov. 15, 2024

by
posted on November 15, 2024
** 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 break-in attempt by a machete-wielding trespasser was foiled by an armed homeowner in Liberty Hill, Texas, and the action was caught by the property owner's surveillance camera.

At about 5 p.m., a man with the machete, along with a dog, were seen approaching the house. The property owner was surveilling his house with a contractor when he noticed the armed trespasser. Having a wife and two young kids inside the house, the homeowner immediately fled inside and locked every door. He then grabbed a 9 mm handgun.

The trespasser began pulling on the door, and when he wasn't able to gain entry that way, he jumped over a fence and climbed onto the home's upper deck, still armed with the machete. The homeowner confronted him, telling reporters that he "told him he's got to leave or he's going to lose his life, you know? Luckily, after I did that, he dropped the machete."

Immediately after, the man climbed back down the deck and walked away from the house. Meanwhile, the homeowner's wife had called authorities, who arrived soon after and arrested the 43-year-old suspect. He is currently charged with criminal trespassing and failure to identify.

"If someone is trying to unlawfully enter and is being forceful, you have a right to use deadly force to protect your home, your car and your place of employment in those situations," Lt. Russell Travis with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office told reporters. "You don't have to retreat. You have a right to defend yourself." (Fox 7 News; Austin, Texas; 8/22/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – December 1982

A 60-year-old man was working on his car in front of a Madera, Calif., senior citizen housing project when he was suddenly attacked from behind by a hammer-swinging assailant. Driving by the scene, David Brown stopped his vehicle, leveled his licensed handgun at the attacker and held him until authorities arrived. (The Tribune, Madera, Calif.)

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.