The Armed Citizen® February 12, 2021

by
posted on February 12, 2021
** 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 homeowner in Polk County, Fla., defended his home and family from an erratic intruder on the morning of Feb. 7, 2021.

The incident began that Sunday morning when the homeowner's wife heard banging at the front door of the home and woke her husband. Their three children were also asleep inside the house. The homeowner went to the front door to check on the noise when he discovered it had been forced open. In response, he armed himself with a handgun.

The homeowner then looked out the door, where he saw the intruder acting erratically while swearing at him. The intruder then ran straight at the homeowner, who fired a single round at the would-be attacker. The round struck the intruder, who then turned around and then began to walk away. That wasn't the end of it, though, as the intruder turned back around and once again charged the homeowner.

The homeowner fired another shot that struck the intruder, incapacitating him. The intruder was taken to a local hospital by first responders, where he died shortly thereafter. As it turned out, the intruder was a man who lived in the neighborhood and had a criminal history that included nine past felonies. (wfla.com, Tampa, Fla., 02/08/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives February 1975

Hearing screams coming from a store near his office, real estate broker Charles W. Parker, an NRA member of Jackson Heights, N.Y., grabbed his .38-cal. snub-nosed revolver, dashed next door and captured a would-be robber. The local police department awarded him a Legion of Honor plaque for "exceptional bravery."

An NRA certified pistol, rifle and shotgun instructor, Parker has won over 40 trophies for marksmanship. The Greater New York Pistol League recognized his action with an "outstanding citizen award" inscribed "Someone Who Cared to Get Involved." (The Sunday News, New York, N.Y.)

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 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.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.