The Armed Citizen® April 8, 2019

by
posted on April 8, 2019
** 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (2)

In the early morning hours in Temecula, Calif., a retired Marine awoke to the sounds of a break-in. Arming himself with a handgun, the homeowner went to confront two would-be burglars who had entered his rural residence. One of the suspects opened fire on the Marine. This act resulted in a shootout inside the home. After emptying his firearm, the homeowner retreated to another room, as the two suspects fled. One of the suspected attackers, who apparently had been hit by the armed citizen during the incident, was taken to the hospital for treatment with gunshot injuries. Sheriff’s deputies responded to an emergency call at the residence and alerted local hospitals to watch for suspicious people with gunshot injuries. Deputies soon learned of a man at a hospital who was believed to have been involved in the shootout with the retired Marine, and an investigation was launched into the incident. (riversidecountynewssource.org, Temecula, Calif., 12/20/19)

Armed Citizen Extra
In what appears to be an increasing trend amongst would-be thieves, a man was forced to kill an assailant he was meeting up with, purportedly to buy a PlayStation. According to police, after linking up with the man on an online reselling app, the buyer drove to an apartment complex to pick up the purchase, but instead was approached in his vehicle by a masked man with a rifle. A concealed-carry permit holder, the man drew his own firearm and began shooting, which proved fatal to his attacker. (abc13.com, Houston, Texas, 03/27/19)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1983
A man and two women entered a Largo, Fla., diamond brokerage. After forcing the owner to the floor at gunpoint, one of the women accosted employee William Seabrook, striking him on the head with a crowbar. Though dazed, he removed a revolver from a desk and confronted the would-be robbers. They fled the premises, pursued by Seabrook, who apprehended the male bandit and one female accomplice. (The Sun, Clearwater, Fla.) 

Latest

Hk G36 22Lr 1
Hk G36 22Lr 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.

The Armed Citizen® July 17, 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.

Standing Strong for Colorado’s Law-Abiding Gun Owners Ahead of Critical Midterms

NRA EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford traveled to Denver this week to discuss gun rights.

A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy

Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot Sight

The optic giant has updated its flagship red-dot sight with a host of upgraded features.

Rifleman Review: Heckler & Koch CC9

When Heckler & Koch USA launched its micro-compact CC9, it proved to be one of the most robustly built micro-compact handguns yet made.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.