The Armed Citizen® November 6, 2020

by
posted on November 6, 2020
** 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 citizen defended himself and others in a group when two would-be robbers attempted to rob them in Des Moines, Iowa, in the early morning hours of Sept. 14, 2020.

Around 5:40 a.m. that Monday morning, two armed teenagers approached a small group of people outside near the 1400 block of 13th street. The teens, both 16 years old, then attempted to rob the group with their handguns drawn. Unknown to the duo, one of their victims was a concealed-carry holder. The man with a legal concealed carry drew his own handgun in response to the robbery attempt and shot the two armed teens.

One of the armed teens was wounded, while the other died of his wounds. The man who defended himself and the group then called authorities after the incident. The wounded teenage robber was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The Des Moines Police Department determined that the concealed carry holder's response was a justified act of self-defense. None of the other victims in the group were injured in the incident. (desmoinesregister.com
, Des Moines, Iowa, 9/14/2020)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives May 1966  

Joseph Bausone, manager of a Dallas, Texas package goods store, was approached by a man who ordered a bottle of whiskey. As Bausone turned to fill the order, the intruder drew a pistol and demanded that the shopkeeper open the register. At that moment, a passerby looked into the store and saw the holdup in progress.

The thug fired one shot at Bausone, who dove under the counter and came up with his own gun and got off four quick shots. The would-be bandit staggered out of the store and fell dead. (Dallas Times Herald, Dallas, Tex.)

Latest

Icarry Diamondback Sdr Galco 1
Icarry Diamondback Sdr Galco 1

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

New For 2026: TriStar Arms APOC Pro

The new APOC Pro takes the original TriStar Arms APOC pistol design introduced in 2025 and makes it optics- and suppressor-ready.

7 New Over-Under Shotguns for 2026

Ever since the development of the iconic Browning Superposed shotgun in the early 1930s, the concept of an over-under shotgun has remained popular not just with American shooters but shotgunners the world over.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.