The Armed Citizen® Nov. 15, 2024

by
posted on November 15, 2024
** 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 break-in attempt by a machete-wielding trespasser was foiled by an armed homeowner in Liberty Hill, Texas, and the action was caught by the property owner's surveillance camera.

At about 5 p.m., a man with the machete, along with a dog, were seen approaching the house. The property owner was surveilling his house with a contractor when he noticed the armed trespasser. Having a wife and two young kids inside the house, the homeowner immediately fled inside and locked every door. He then grabbed a 9 mm handgun.

The trespasser began pulling on the door, and when he wasn't able to gain entry that way, he jumped over a fence and climbed onto the home's upper deck, still armed with the machete. The homeowner confronted him, telling reporters that he "told him he's got to leave or he's going to lose his life, you know? Luckily, after I did that, he dropped the machete."

Immediately after, the man climbed back down the deck and walked away from the house. Meanwhile, the homeowner's wife had called authorities, who arrived soon after and arrested the 43-year-old suspect. He is currently charged with criminal trespassing and failure to identify.

"If someone is trying to unlawfully enter and is being forceful, you have a right to use deadly force to protect your home, your car and your place of employment in those situations," Lt. Russell Travis with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office told reporters. "You don't have to retreat. You have a right to defend yourself." (Fox 7 News; Austin, Texas; 8/22/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – December 1982

A 60-year-old man was working on his car in front of a Madera, Calif., senior citizen housing project when he was suddenly attacked from behind by a hammer-swinging assailant. Driving by the scene, David Brown stopped his vehicle, leveled his licensed handgun at the attacker and held him until authorities arrived. (The Tribune, Madera, Calif.)

Latest

1860 Spencer Carbine 2
1860 Spencer Carbine 2

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

One of the most revolutionary shoulder arms of the American Civil War, the Model 1860 Spencer carbine went from being an experimental design at the war's beginning to ultimately becoming the official issue arm of the U.S. Cavalry by war's end.

New For 2025: Tippmann Arms Integrally Suppressed M4-22s

In anticipation of the upcoming $0 NFA tax stamp enactment, Tippmann Arms is now offering integrally suppressed versions of its M4-22 design.

Favorite Firearms: A Winchester Model 54 Turns 100

Serving during World War I in 1918, my father completed two years in the Engineer Corps. In addition to his engineering duties, he and all the other soldiers had to carry and qualify with the Model 1903 Springfield rifle, since they were often on the front lines.

Winchester Ammunition Opens New Office In Missouri

Winchester Ammunition opened a new office in Clayton, Mo., which will accommodate much of the company's full-time administrative staff and is located several hours away from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

Searching For The Perfect Single-Action Revolver

Bitten by the cowboy handgun bug early on—and influenced by no less an innovator than Elmer Keith—the author finds that, in the search for the ultimate single-action revolver, perfection is an elusive target.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 15, 2025

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.