The Armed Citizen® Reload May 10, 2024

A married couple was sitting in their car in a Walmart parking lot when a stranger approached the vehicle on the passenger side. Learn what happened next. 

by posted on May 10, 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. **
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Pistol Drawn

A man who had an active domestic violence injunction filed on him violently kicked in the front door at the home of the mother of his children. After breaking in, he armed himself with a knife and began searching the house, yelling that he would hurt her. He eventually found the woman in the rear bedroom. In fear for her life, the woman shot the man twice, hitting him in the head and killing him. The homeowner and her children were unharmed, and she will not face charges for defending herself in her own home. The suspect was reportedly on his way to anger management treatment when the incident took place. (wkrg.com, Pensacola, Fla., 5/4/21)

A married couple was sitting in their car in a Walmart parking lot when a stranger approached the vehicle on the passenger side, where the woman was sitting. Security footage shows that an argument ensued, at which point the woman’s unarmed husband got out of the vehicle to address the situation. However, the stranger took out a knife and charged the man. The husband backed several yards away attempting to stay away from the attacker’s weapon. The wife exited the vehicle and came to the defense of her husband with her concealed-carry pistol, firing one shot at the attacker, which hit him in the throat. The assailant was reported in critical condition. The woman was not expected to face charges. Fortunately, neither the wife nor husband were harmed. (abc30.com, Fresno, Calif., 5/5/21)

A man armed with a hammer forced his way into a Lucerne Valley, California, home through the back door at 9:15 a.m. The homeowner confronted the intruder and he threatened to kill her. Fearing for her life, she shot the man. He fled from her home, but didn’t make it far. Police found him lying on the side of the road. The homeowner was unhurt. (vvng.com, Lucerne Valley, CA, 2/16/21)

In two more cases of women defending themselves with firearms, a woman shot an intruder and another was able to stop her abuser. The first incident was reported on April 6, 2021, when a woman called 9-1-1 after having shot and killed a man who broke into her Lexington, Kentucky, apartment. The second incident occurred when a woman fatally shot her abusive boyfriend on April 8, 2021. Police found evidence to suggest an aggressive confrontation at the scene in Atmore, Alabama, but the woman fought back. (wkyt.com; wkrg.com)

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.