The Armed Citizen® July 12, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their 2nd Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on July 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 bystander in Chicago, Ill., stepped in to the defense of others when an armed man began shooting on the night of July 4, 2021.

It all started around 10:45 p.m. that Sunday night, when a man walked up onto a group of three people in an alleyway, in the suburb of Austin. The man suddenly pulled out a gun, and began firing on the trio. A woman in the group was struck in the head. The other two victims, both men, were also hit and wounded. As this occurred, a bystander witnessed the scene and chose to react.

Rushing into the defense of the victims, the 49-year-old bystander pulled his concealed-carry pistol and fired on the assailant. The assailant was struck twice by the Samaritan's shots, being hit in the arm and hip. The wounded victims were taken to a local medical center, where they have been stabilized. As for the assailant, he was also taken to a medical center in serious condition and is now in police custody. (chicago.suntimes.com, Chicago, Ill., 07/05/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - June 1987

An elderly Seat Pleasant, Md., man in poor health was working in his basement when he heard a burglar attempting to break into an upper window. The 76-year-old homeowner ordered the crowbar-wielding burglar to leave, but, when the intruder refused, the resident went for his gun. After the man again refused to leave, the homeowner fired and wounded the intruder, then held the man on a ladder until police arrived. Authorities said the elderly resident would not be charged. (The Journal, Prince George's County, Md.)

Latest

New Large-Format Pistols for 2026
New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 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.

Ukraine Operators Use Drone Round to Defeat UAS

Ukrainian operators recently tested and defeated drones with the Drone Round—a purpose-built cartridge that requires no firearm modifications, no new equipment and no additional training.

From The Counter: The Gun Store Prime Directive

When visiting a firearm retailer, know when it’s appropriate to interject, and when you should keep quiet.

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.