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

Guns Of Shanghai F
Guns Of Shanghai F

The Guns of Shanghai 1937: A Prelude to WWII's Brutal Urban Combat

Often overlooked by Western military historians, the Battle of Shanghai in 1937 was an early sign of the brutal urban combat that would characterize much of World War II. An incredible array of arms was used in the fighting.

New For 2026: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP LPVO Riflescope

Previously offered in 1-6X and 1-8X variants, new for 2026, Vortex is introducing the Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP riflescope.

Gun of the Week: Ruger RXM

On the surface, the RXM appears to be similar to the Glock G19-inspired selection of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols on the market, but a closer look reveals that there's much more to this modular design.

Rifleman Q&A: How Frequently Should You Clean?

AN NRA member and his brother have identical rifles. One brother cleans every time he shoots. The other cleans every 100 rounds. Which barrel will last longer?

The Armed Citizen® March 20, 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.

NRA Launches New Official App

The National Rifle Association proudly unveiled its new official NRA App today, marking a significant milestone in enhancing member engagement and delivering convenient access to essential NRA resources on the go.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.