The Armed Citizen® August 4, 2017

by
posted on August 4, 2017
** 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. **
ac2009_fs.jpg

During a road trip, a Texas man and his wife received an unpleasant late-night visit to their hotel room in the town of Hot Springs, Ark. The couple heard someone banging on their door in the overnight hours. Not knowing who it could be, the man armed himself with his firearm before he answered the door. One assailant struck the man in the face as soon as he opened the door, causing the Texan to fall backward into the room. Three men and a woman then forced their way into the room. The armed citizen responded by firing at the man who hit him and at a second assailant, hitting each and scaring off the others. The four were later apprehended. The suspects told the police that they were retaliating against the couple for a suspected burglary of their rooms a few days prior. (Arkansas Democrat, Hot Springs, AK, 5/11/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Late one night, two would-be burglars were staking out neighborhood homes before choosing to enter one of the homes through a garage. Luckily, the act was caught on film from a neighbor’s surveillance camera. The footage showed the two intruders, one of whom was wearing a mask, entering the garage where the homeowner often watched television with the door open. The intruders ordered the homeowner to open a safe that was in his garage. Police said, “After being confronted by the armed suspects, the resident/victim retrieved a firearm and fired at the victims in his own defense,” killing the two intruders. The homeowner was not charged as the police lieutenant stated, “You have a right to defend yourself in your home.” (Ventura County Star, San Francisco, CA, 6/23/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
July 1983
Carolyn Bennett had her reading interrupted by noises late at night in her Tice, Fla., home. She picked up a gun before investigating, then discovered a masked man in the hallway. Bearing a knife, he threatened to kill her. Instead, when he advanced, she shot him dead. Police said the man recently had been paroled from a Florida prison. (The News-Press, Ft. Myers, FL)

Latest

ammo on table in shape of infinite loop
ammo on table in shape of infinite loop

The Infinite Argument: 9 mm vs. .45 ACP

We’re never going to end the seemingly eternal debate about whether 9 mm or .45 ACP is the best option for a defensive handgun, are we?

Review: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway

Survival rifles have generally been chambered for relatively anemic rimfire cartridges, but the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway ups the power without sacrificing portability.

The Armed Citizen® April 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.

How the Mainstream Media is Changing on Guns

Given the record low public trust in mass media, what is its future, and is there any chance market forces could make its treatment of the Second Amendment fairer?

Number of New Suppressor Makers Increasing Rapidly

Companies that traditionally did not offer suppressors are adding them to their lineups at a scalding pace—including some major leaguers.

First Look: Steiner ATLAS Aiming & Illumination System

The Steiner ATLAS (Advanced Tactical Laser Aiming System) is a comprehensive, rifle-mounted aiming and illumination system in a lightweight magnesium-alloy body.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.