The Armed Citizen® October 2, 2026

It reads like the surprise ending of a Saturday morning cartoon, but when police unmasked an intruder’s identity, the would-be victim was shocked.

by posted on October 1, 2026
** 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. **
Armed Citizen Image 1

A 20-something Philadelphia woman was awakened in her second-floor apartment around 5 a.m. by the sound of glass breaking. When she went to investigate, she discovered that a man wearing a mask had managed to gain access to her apartment. In fear for her life, the woman, who had armed herself, shot the intruder—a 29-year-old man—in the head, fatally wounding him. "It appears this individual broke the window and was able to reach in and open the door and then entered this woman's apartment and that's when the shot—or shots—were fired," Chief Inspector Scott Small with the Philadelphia Police Department told local news station WPVI. When the mask was removed from the deceased, the woman said she recognized the man as someone with whom she had a prior relationship. Surveillance video in the vicinity of the incident was scheduled to be reviewed by authorities in the ongoing investigation. (theblaze.com; 9/30/26. Philadelphia, Pa.)

Latest

Heid Japan Lede
Heid Japan Lede

From Japan to Houston: NRA Firearm Training Goes International

The author's student body cast an even longer reach when a woman traveled all the way from the east—the Far East—for training.

Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead Earns Podium Finish at 2026 IPRF Centerfire World Championship

The international event brought leading precision rifle athletes together for 20 stages of demanding competition.

Team Fiocchi's Lanny Barnes and Dianna Muller Take Gold and Silver at 2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot

Barnes captured all three Open World Championship titles at a single World Shoot; Muller earned silver in the Open Lady Senior category.

The Armed Citizen® October 9, 2026

In another example of age and treachery overcoming youth and vigor, a man intent on harming a senior woman proved to be no match for his would-be victim.

Savage Arms RXR22: An All-Purpose Family Carbine?

This handy little rifle stands out from the crowd by embracing readily available components.

3 Compact Defensive Pump-Action Shotguns

There is more than one way to shrink the size of popular defensive shotguns.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.