The Armed Citizen® Feb. 14, 2025

by
posted on February 14, 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 break-in by a man with a known criminal history in Decatur, Ill., ended with the burglar dead, thanks to the fortuitous arrival of an armed family member.

At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, police say a 35-year-old male unlawfully entered a house in which a lone 66-year-old woman was living. During the alleged break-in, a 48-year-old male relative of the woman entered the home and encountered the burglar. The man, who had an active Illinois Concealed Carry License and was carrying at the time, drew his gun and fired at the intruder four times.

When police arrived, they transported the suspect to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The 66-year-old woman was also transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the deceased suspect was on a "Mandatory Supervised Release" through the Illinois Dept. of Corrections at the time of the break-in. (WCIA; Decatur, Ill.; 11/19/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – July 1986

Posing as a package carrier, a man forced his way into Charisse Gross' Baltimore, Md., home, drew a handgun and demanded money and jewelry. The gunman herded the 28-year-old woman upstairs to her son's bedroom, where he attempted to tie up the boy. While he was distracted, Gross slipped away, grabbed her .38-cal. handgun, and fired at the intruder, striking him. The man fled, and a suspect was arrested later by authorities. (The Sun; Baltimore, Md.)

 

Latest

45 ACP M1911
45 ACP M1911

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2027 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.