The Armed Citizen® April 28, 2025

by
posted on April 28, 2025
** 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

A garbage truck driver working in the early morning hours of Friday, January 31, on Chicago's west side fended off two armed robbers, according to police.

The 28-year-old truck operator, who possessed a valid Illinois Firearm Owner ID card and an active concealed-carry license, was approached by two men in the 900 block of the city's South Homan Avenue. One of the men pulled out a gun and announced that the driver was being robbed. The driver then drew his own firearm, and an exchange of gunfire occurred. 

The armed driver's shots found their marks, with one of the suspects, a 42-year-old man, suffering a gunshot wound to the head and the other suspect, a 20-year-old man, suffering a gunshot wound to the neck. The 42-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 20-year-old was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. The garbage truck driver was uninjured in the altercation. (ABC 7 News; Chicago, Ill.; 1/28/25)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – May 1960

Bartender Curtis H. Scott closed his East St. Louis, Ill., tavern for the night, walked past the nearby alley, and was accosted by robbers. The thieves forced him at gunpoint to return to the saloon.

Pushing the bartender inside, the bandits grabbed the cash box containing $823 and were about to leave when the burglar alarm went off.

Scott pulled his .32-cal. revolver and fired. The panicky bandits abandoned the loot in their haste to reach the getaway car. They made good their escape, but two surrendered to police shortly after dropping off their bullet-wounded companion at a local hospital. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
 

Latest

FN Updgrades
FN Updgrades

FN Improves Iconic MAG Machine Gun

The FN MAG, better known to Americans as the M240 machine gun, has been in U.S. military service since 1976, and this year, the platform has gotten some serious upgrades.

Switching It Up In West Texas: The WTO SwitchLug System

The SwitchLug by WTO is designed for popular rifles, and it’s a modern system that doesn’t require buying new rifle.

President’s Column | On a Scale of One to 10, Houston Was a 20

As they say, the 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting in Houston is a wrap. More than 73,000 freedom-loving Second Amendment supporters—the highest number since the COVID pandemic—joined us for three days of celebrating freedom.

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.