The Armed Citizen® February 22, 2019

by
posted on February 22, 2019
** 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (6)

Dining out one night with his teenage sons, an armed citizen was called on to protect the innocent. In Birmingham, Ala., the family was leaving a McDonald’s at closing time. As the manager was unlocking the front doors to let them out, a masked man pushed his way into the restaurant and began firing at everyone inside. The attacker’s gunfire hit the armed citizen and one of his sons before he pulled his own concealed firearm and shot back. Police and EMS arrived on the scene to take the three individuals to the hospital, where the criminal later died from his injuries. (Casa Grande Dispatch, Birmingham, Ala., 10/30/18)

The Armed Citizen Extra
After two men stole his trailer early one morning, a San Antonio man followed and confronted them in an attempt to secure the trailer's return. The men were not terribly inclined to return the stolen property however, which led to an exchange of gunfire during which one of the trailer-jackers was hit with birdshot. The other thief took off. The wounded man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was soon in stable condition. (KENS5, San Antonio, Texas, 01/10/2019)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
February 1960
In Saraland, Ala., the berserk husband of a woman charged with possession of illegal whisky killed one police officer and wounded another but, as he tried to make his escape, was shot dead by Carlos McDonald, the proprietor of a nearby shop. (UPI)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.