The Armed Citizen® Oct. 25, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their Second Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on October 25, 2021
** 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

An armed crook received a rude awakening when he attempted to rob an armed citizen in Houston, Texas, on Sept. 8, 2021.

The incident occurred that Wednesday evening as the would-be victim was walking into a local Shell gas station. The crook was dropped off at the station by a car around the same time that the man was walking in. Targeting the man, the crook then announced his presence to his intended victim by lifting his shirt, revealing his pistol, and demanding that the man hand over his valuables. Yet, what the armed crook wasn't aware of was the fact that his intended victim was also armed.

In response to the threat, the man quickly drew his own handgun and shot the would-be robber in the face. The shot to the face incapacitated the robber, who was later taken to a local medical center. After the incident, Houston Police Department Lt. R. Willkens said in regards to the perpetrator, "He was shot in the face one time. He’s at the hospital. He’s going to live. He’s conscious and breathing right now." This incident occurred just days after the new Texas constitutional carry law went into effect on Sept. 1, 2021, allowing residents to carry handguns without the need for concealed carry permits. No charges were brought against the armed citizen for his use of defensive force in the incident. (foxnews.com, New York, N.Y., 09/09/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - February 1987

Dennis Donovan was talking to a customer in a Portland, Oreg., convenience store when an armed man wearing a ski mask burst through the door. "this is for real, hit the floor," the man shouted, and he began firing. Donovan reached for a .357 Mag. under the counter and shot back, forcing the robber out the door. It was unknown if the intruder was hit. (The Oregonian, Portland, Oreg.)

Latest

Crates Of Cartridge Curiosities
Crates Of Cartridge Curiosities

Rifleman Q&A: Crates Of Cartridge Curiosities

"I have in my possession two interesting wooden boxes containing two sealed ammunition cans each. I initially assumed the cartridges to be corrosive-primed and marked them as such with a paint pen, but lately I am not so sure."

Preview: Spyderco Police Model

The all-stainless-steel Spyderco Police Model folding knife is an instantly recognizable design that, according to the company, “was developed in the early 1980s to meet the demanding needs of law-enforcement professionals.”

The TriStar Arms APOC: Familiar & Affordable

Glock-inspired handgun designs have become one of the most popular corners of the firearm market, and TriStar Arms is the latest to throw its hat into the ring with the affordable APOC.

Preview: Linos Sheathworks Custom Kydex Knife Sheaths

Shown here with a TOPS Apache Falcon knife, Linos Sheathworks’ custom Kydex sheaths are available to fit a wide variety of popular fixed-blade and folding knife models from other major brands—all without the need to ship the host knife to the company.

Gun Of The Week: Ruger LCP MAX Manual Safety

Ruger introduced its LCP MAX in 2021, but in recent years, the company has expanded the line with new models, including this two-tone version equipped with a manual thumb safety.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 28, 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.