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

Springfield Armory SA-35 4"
Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Review: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield Armory has made its SA-35 High Power clone even more appealing to those interested in a compact, concealed-carry pistol with a new 4-inch barreled version of its SA-35.

Legacy Sports International Expands Howa Bolt-Action Rifle Lineup

Japanese-made Howa M1500 rifles continue to be some of the best value-for-the-money bolt-actions on the market, and for 2026, the company is adding two new models, along with a new chambering.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 17, 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.

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.