The Armed Citizen® April 20, 2020

by
posted on April 20, 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (5)
Armed Citizen® Today

A 73-year-old Texas man and his 65-year-old fiancée were fast asleep inside their Fredericksburg home when they were awoken by a loud banging noise coming from outside their home. The man went to investigate, discovered a 19-year-old man on his back patio and confronted him.

After being discovered, the young man attacked the homeowner and began beating him with a blunt object. The attacker then put the 73-year-old man into a chokehold, which caused him to lose consciousness.

During the attack, the homeowner's fiancée begged the young man to stop his attack, but he wouldn't cease. She ran to the bedroom, where she retrieved a handgun, and returned to the scene of the assault. She warned the young attacker, but the man would not stop choking the homeowner, and she noticed that her fiancé was no longer moving.

At this point, the 65-year-old woman fired a single shot, striking the 19-year-old attacker in the head. After she stopped the assault, the homeowner regained consciousness, and the pair called 911.

The attacker was treated at the scene by Fredericksburg Fire and EMS and later taken to a hospital in San Antonio, where he was pronounced dead. The Gillespie County Sheriff's Office suspects drug use was involved, and the investigation is ongoing. (KVUE ABC, Fredericksburg, Tex. 04/12/2020)
  
   
From the Armed Citizen® Archives January 1971

Mrs. Deloris Ehle of Ft. Wayne, Ind., was suspicious of two men who parked in her driveway. Consequently, she did not respond when they knocked first on her front door, then on her back door.

But when they took a ladder from her garage and removed one of her window screens, she grabbed a shotgun. Upon seeing the armed homeowner, the two men fled. (Ft. Wayne, Ind., The News Sentinel)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.