The Armed Citizen® March 10, 2023

by
posted on March 10, 2023
** 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 licensed-to-carry bystander shot and wounded an active shooter in an El Paso, Texas, mall after the shooter killed a teen and began aiming at other mall goers on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.

That evening, the alleged shooter was part of a group of teens at the mall when they got into an argument with another group near the mall's food court. According to police, the suspect pulled out what was reported to be a stolen handgun and began firing, fatally shooting one 17-year-old male and wounding two others. After the shooting, the suspect ran and began aiming his stolen handgun at other bystanders.

One bystander was a 32-year-old man with a licensed concealed-carry gun. As the shooter ran toward him, the man drew his gun and shot the suspect. The armed citizen then began administering aid to the wounded shooter and other victims with the help of an off-duty El Paso police officer. Charges are currently pending against the suspect. (KTSM, El Paso, Texas, 2/17/23)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – April 1980

When Ernst Wright was awakened by the sound of a tractor-trailer coming to a halt outside his Corona, N.M., ranch house, he armed himself with a shotgun and investigated. When the driver kicked in the kitchen door and walked inside, Wright asked him to leave, then retreated to the hall. The intruder threw a crowbar at Wright, who fired one shot, hitting his attacker in the chest. State police found the wounded man inside the truck. (The Lincoln County News, Carrizozo, N.M.)

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.