The Armed Citizen® Feb. 9, 2026

Real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

by
posted on February 9, 2026
** 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

Just before 5 a.m. on Jan. 30, a 56-year-old homeowner reportedly found a burglar inside his home in Wichita, Kan. Police told reporters a “confrontation occurred” and the homeowner shot the alleged intruder in the leg. The 40-year-old suspect was in serious but stable condition and was to be arrested upon release from the hospital. (kansas.com, Wichita, Kan., 2/3/26)

 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – October 1991

Describing her attacker as a man who had once been "one of the family," Juliette Blackmon, 81, of Kansas City, Mo., was forced to take action when he tried to rob them. After asking to use the bathroom, the man instead grabbed a knife from the kitchen and threatened her and her husband, Elliot.

Elliot picked up a pistol from the bedroom, however, and passed it to his wife. Firing twice, she killed the man. "I had to do it," she said. "I'm a Christian woman, but we have to have protection." (The Star, Kansas City, Kans.)

Latest

Nra Leaders Attend White House Event 1
Nra Leaders Attend White House Event 1

NRA Leaders Attend White House Dinner as President Trump Signs Orders Expanding Access to Public Lands and Waterways

NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin and Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director John Commerford represented NRA members at a White House dinner hosted by President Donald J. Trump.

The America 250th Longrifle: Creating One Tribute to America's Semiquincentennial

As part of the America 250th celebrations this year, one longtime American Rifleman contributor had to have his own special tribute to our country's semiquincentennial.

The Long & Short of It: Rock Island Armory's Pak-Out Platform

One of the latest designs to come from Rock Island Armory is its Pak-Out, a folding shotgun that is offered in several different configurations.

Gun of the Week: The New Taurus Judge

For 2026, Taurus USA took a fresh look at one of its most popular platforms, the Judge revolver, and updated it with a new feature set while retaining the versatility that made it popular in the first place.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 18, 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.

This Maryland County Moved to Disarm Jews and Others in the Face of Evil

Even given the unconscionable history of gun control, the law banning concealed carry in and within 100 yards of houses of worship and other public assemblies in Montgomery County, Md., is particularly disturbing.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.