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

Ruger Mini-14 Upgrades
Ruger Mini-14 Upgrades

5 Must-Have Ruger Mini-14 Accessories

In production since 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 has spawned a rather healthy aftermarket of parts and accessories. Here are five that you really can't live without if you're a true Mini-14 fan.

New For 2026: U.S. Palm Eye of the Storm (EOS) Suppressors

Earlier this year, U.S. Palm promised to offer its own line of firearms and suppressors. Now, its line of suppressors, the Eye of the Storm (EOS) series, is finally here.

Gun of the Week: Taylor's & Co. TC73

The Taylor's Firearms TC73 has classic lines and a classic appearance, but unlike other lever-actions, this one has a few unique features.

The Armed Citizen® June 26, 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.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wolford v. Lopez Decision is Striking

In Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court ruled that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.