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

SDS Arms MAC-5K
SDS Arms MAC-5K

Review: Military Armament Corporation MAC-5K

SDS Arms, under its Military Armament Corporation (MAC) brand, imports Turkish-made roller-delayed handguns of the H&K MP5 pattern called the MAC-5K.

8 New Revolvers for 2026

Despite the incredible array of polymer-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic handguns on the market, the classic revolver not only refuses to die, it has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.

The Armed Citizen® May 18, 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.

8 New Semi-Auto Shotguns for 2026

For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs.

SAAMI Celebrates 100th Anniversary

For the past 100 years, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has established the standards that ensure our safety when using modern shotshells, cartridges, firearms and more.

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.