The Armed Citizen® Oct. 25, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their Second Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on October 25, 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

An armed crook received a rude awakening when he attempted to rob an armed citizen in Houston, Texas, on Sept. 8, 2021.

The incident occurred that Wednesday evening as the would-be victim was walking into a local Shell gas station. The crook was dropped off at the station by a car around the same time that the man was walking in. Targeting the man, the crook then announced his presence to his intended victim by lifting his shirt, revealing his pistol, and demanding that the man hand over his valuables. Yet, what the armed crook wasn't aware of was the fact that his intended victim was also armed.

In response to the threat, the man quickly drew his own handgun and shot the would-be robber in the face. The shot to the face incapacitated the robber, who was later taken to a local medical center. After the incident, Houston Police Department Lt. R. Willkens said in regards to the perpetrator, "He was shot in the face one time. He’s at the hospital. He’s going to live. He’s conscious and breathing right now." This incident occurred just days after the new Texas constitutional carry law went into effect on Sept. 1, 2021, allowing residents to carry handguns without the need for concealed carry permits. No charges were brought against the armed citizen for his use of defensive force in the incident. (foxnews.com, New York, N.Y., 09/09/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - February 1987

Dennis Donovan was talking to a customer in a Portland, Oreg., convenience store when an armed man wearing a ski mask burst through the door. "this is for real, hit the floor," the man shouted, and he began firing. Donovan reached for a .357 Mag. under the counter and shot back, forcing the robber out the door. It was unknown if the intruder was hit. (The Oregonian, Portland, Oreg.)

Latest

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 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.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.