The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

by
posted on June 30, 2025
** 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 Good Samaritan in Shreveport, La., who alerted police to a car burglary in progress was forced to defend himself when one of the burglary suspects approached him aggressively while he was on the phone with police.

The incident began when the armed citizen went outside his home to smoke at about 3:30 a.m. While outdoors, the man noticed two masked individuals breaking into the vehicles parked along the street. The man called police, but during the call, one of the masked suspects began approaching him. He told the suspect to stop, but the man allegedly continued to approach him.

"Fearing for his and his family's safety, the caller discharged his firearm twice," Shreveport Police Cpl. Chris Bordelon told reporters. The 18-year-old suspect was shot in the lower abdomen and right arm. The second suspect attempted to flee the scene in one of the stolen vehicles but abandoned it a short distance away and fled on foot. He is still wanted by police. The wounded suspect was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Police discovered that the suspect possessed a stolen firearm, and he has been charged in that theft. Additional charges are pending. No charges have been filed against the homeowner. (KSLA News 12; Shreveport, La.; 4/5/25)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – August 1984 

Betty Ross of Boise, Idaho, was dozing in a living room chair when her dog awakened her at about 2 a.m. She saw an intruder enter the house through a back door and start toward a bedroom. Ross slipped into the room through a side door and picked up a rifle.

Switching on the lights, she met the man face-to-face and ordered him out. The man fled, but a suspect was arrested minutes later. (
The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Idaho)
 

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.