The Armed Citizen®: January 9, 2015

by
posted on January 9, 2015
** 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 (2)

Donald Sacco, 64, was waiting at a bus stop around 8:15 a.m. when a 50-year-old stranger approached him with a knife. The stranger stabbed Sacco multiple times in the abdomen and attempted to steal his bag. Sacco tried to use his cane to fight the man off and screamed, “I don’t have any money, leave me alone!” Someone driving by the incident, who was legally carrying a concealed firearm, witnessed the attack and intervened. The suspect was held at gun point until police arrived. The suspect was then taken into custody and faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and robbery. Sacco was taken to a local hospital and treated for his stab wounds. He is expected to survive his injuries. (Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, FL, 7/16/14)

The Armed Citizen® Extra 
A 19-year-old Helena, Mont., man stands accused of kidnapping after allegedly holding a female victim at gunpoint for several hours. The perpetrator grabbed the victim by the ears and claimed that he would “smash her head into the floor until there was only mush left.” He also destroyed the female’s cell phone in order to prevent her from contacting the authorities. After being held captive for more than four hours, the female victim was able to escape her captor and run to a neighbor’s residence for help. The kidnapper then pursued her to the neighbor’s place, where he was held at gunpoint by the homeowner until law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. The suspect has now been charged with one count of felony kidnapping, partner or family member assault and other misdemeanor counts. (Independent Record, Helena, MT, 11/25/14)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives  August 1964
In Independence, Kan., Harley R. Pierce was in the rear of his store when he heard a man demand money from his wife. Pierce grabbed a .32-caliber pistol and went into the front of the store to find two men, one armed with a sawed-off shotgun, accosting his wife. The store owner fired one shot at the armed thug. The wounded bandit came at him, and Pierce fired another shot as he struggled with the bandit. The man fell to the floor seriously wounded. Pierce held his gun on the other intruder until police arrived. (Examiner, Independence, KS)

Latest

FN Updgrades
FN Updgrades

FN Improves Iconic MAG Machine Gun

The FN MAG, better known to Americans as the M240 machine gun, has been in U.S. military service since 1976, and this year, the platform has gotten some serious upgrades.

Switching It Up In West Texas: The WTO SwitchLug System

The SwitchLug by WTO is designed for popular rifles, and it’s a modern system that doesn’t require buying new rifle.

President’s Column | On a Scale of One to 10, Houston Was a 20

As they say, the 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting in Houston is a wrap. More than 73,000 freedom-loving Second Amendment supporters—the highest number since the COVID pandemic—joined us for three days of celebrating freedom.

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.