The Armed Citizen® April 4, 2025

by
posted on April 4, 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

An active shooter outside of a nightclub in Omaha, Neb., was stopped by an armed citizen who intervened as the gunman opened fire, drawing his own concealed firearm and shooting the assailant, who died at the scene.

Police say the 37-year-old suspect was asked to leave the club at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. According to witnesses, the man became angry, left the club, then returned with a gun and began firing it while making threats. His gunfire struck several individuals in the vicinity.

An armed citizen outside of the club drew his firearm and returned fire, killing the suspect and ending the threat. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said that the unnamed man was acting in self-defense and ultimately saved the lives of others inside and outside the nightclub. Video surveillance provided evidence that the man was justified in drawing and firing his handgun. "He was actually protecting everybody that was at that location," Kleine told the Omaha World-Herald.

The deceased assailant had a prior criminal record and was prohibited from owning a firearm. (Omaha World-Herald; Omaha, Neb.; 1/15/25)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – December 1973

In 1971, three robbers threw ammonia in jeweler Phil West's face and pistol-whipped him. Having been bound and gagged in his Cincinnati, Ohio, shop during another recent robbery, this time, West broke loose and struck back.

While two gunmen looted the store, West emerged from the back room with his gun and began firing. One assailant fell, mortally wounded. The other robber was also shot but escaped. West suffered only cuts and bruises. (The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Latest

Springfield SA 35 4 01
Springfield SA 35 4 01

A New Compact High Power: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4"

Just as the slide and barrel of a full-size 1911 is sometimes shortened to make it more concealable, Springfield Armory is taking its SA-35 pistol and offering it with a shortened 4-inch barrel. 

Mob Defense: How to Stay Safe from a Crowd

Imagine yourself alone or with your family or a small group where you suddenly find yourself in a situation where a mob starts forming up around you and appears hostile. What are some recommended courses of action you can take?

Firearm and Ammo Sales Soaring in Virginia

Ahead of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's anticipated signing of a slate of gun-control bills, firearm and ammunition sales are soaring in the Old Dominion.

Review: Ruger Harrier

Ruger’s new Harrier AR-15-style rifle proves to be a great entry-level, multi-purpose carbine.

New For 2026: Canik Mete MC9 Prime Radian

Building on the company's initial Mete MC9 Prime design, Canik added a Radian Weapons Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel to create the new MC9 Prime Radian.

The Armed Citizen® April 6, 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.