The Armed Citizen® October 15, 2018

by
posted on October 15, 2018
** 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. **
1armed-citizen-main-image.jpg

Dark clouds rolled in and blocked out a Saturday afternoon’s rays of sunshine during a back-to-school picnic in Florida when a gunman sprayed multiple shots near the 150 people—many of whom were children—attending the “Peace in the City” event. Fortunately, an attendee with a carry permit was on hand to put a quick end to the disturbance. Titusville, Fla., police said the suspect had gotten into a fistfight with another person at the park. After those fisticuffs, one of the participants retreated, only to return a few minutes later with a gun. He squeezed off several rounds before the armed bystander shot him, sending him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The shooting was live-streamed on Facebook by a disc jockey who was spinning the hits at the gathering. Police called the armed citizen a hero. “This park was filled with families and children, and, at that time, it was an active shooter situation for him, and he was trained enough to deal with it, and he did,” Titusville Police Sgt. Bill Amos said. (Florida Today, Brevard County, Fla., 8/5/18)

The Armed Citizen Extra
A teenage good Samaritan, who took it upon herself to check on a neighbor after a domestic violence incident, inadvertently found herself in the middle of the ugly situation when she discovered her neighbor’s ex-boyfriend in her own home. Realizing that her power had been cut, the teenage girl armed herself with a .22-cal. pistol, before stumbling upon the intruder. The man, armed with a knife, told her "she was going to die" before stabbing at her multiple times and slicing her arm. The teen fought back, kicking the man and firing at him, which ran him off. The alleged perpetrator was later booked into jail for assault, burglary, domestic violence assault and other charges.  (The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA, 9/7/18)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
October 1973
Three men arrived for an appointment at the Winchester, Ind., coin shop of Leon Hendrickson carrying pistols in an apparent robbery attempt. But in the scuffle which followed, Hendrickson’s wife shot one of the intruders fatally with a pistol and her husband held another suspect at bay with a shotgun. The third would-be bandit escaped by car and eluded police. (The Muncie Star, Muncie, Ind.)

Latest

Gotw Tristar Arms Kr22 1
Gotw Tristar Arms Kr22 1

Gun of the Week: TriStar Arms KR.22

Semi-automatic .22 rifles have been a staple in the firearm marketplace for decades, and the TriStar Arms KR.22 brings yet another lightweight, affordable option that accepts Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines.

Political Report | Trump Reiterates National Right-to-Carry Support

I am repeatedly reminded of how critical it was that the NRA engaged early in supporting Donald Trump’s 2016 candidacy—and that he won. A recent example came in June, when President Trump spoke to American workers at a Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 21, 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.

The Norinco TU-33/40: A Rimfire Mauser Lookalike from China

The Norinco TU-33/40 is, at a glance, a copy of a Mauser 98k with a few choice details that give away the fact that it’s not a big-bore World War II workhorse.

AI Tools Enter the Used-Gun Market

Companies that deal in the used-gun market are not shy about sharing the advantages their AI-driven tools and services.

Standing Guard | Standing on the Line for Freedom

This past August marks 46 years since I raised my right hand and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. In the summer of 1980, I entered active duty with a firm sense of civic duty and a deep desire to serve our great nation. Like so many who wear the uniform, I was ready to contribute directly to the defense of freedom.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.