The Armed Citizen® Rewind May 12, 2023

These recent accounts featuring brave armed women deserve a second read.

by posted on May 12, 2023
** 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

A man sped through a parking lot near a birthday party where children were at play. The adults asked him to slow down, but the two-time convicted felon was enraged by the request. He returned to the party, armed with a rifle. He began firing into the crowd when an armed woman drew her own firearm and fatally shot the attacker. The woman had no military or law enforcement training, but rose to the occasion to save herself and others. “She’s just a member of the community who was carrying her firearm lawfully, and instead of running from the threat, she engaged with the threat and saved several lives last night,” said the lieutenant on the scene. The brave woman prevented a mass casualty and is facing no charges for acting with justifiable force. (gunsamerica.com, Charleston, W. Va., 05/31/22)

 A 70-year-old woman and her 80-year-old husband were at home when a stranger broke into their house. The woman confronted the intruder and tried to get him to leave by swatting at him with a broom. However, the intruder said nothing and did not leave. The couple fired twice in the direction of the man without hitting him, but he still would not leave. He then advanced toward the woman as she repeatedly ordered him to stop. In fear for her life, she was forced to fire directly at the assailant, killing him. (foxnews.com, Orlando, Fl., 05/24/22)

 A weekend of extreme violence by a man against his wife ended when she bravely defended herself with a handgun. As the man held his wife against a wall by her throat, she was able to fire her pistol into his chest, ending the abuse. She then called 9-1-1. When police arrived, they found the woman with a bloody mouth, swollen left eye, face and rib injuries, and possibly a broken ankle. The man was still alive, lying on the ground, with signs of being intoxicated. When police attempted to help him, he made an obscene comment and gesture. Officers soon discovered evidence that the attacker was not only abusing alcohol, but marijuana and testosterone as well. The victim claimed that he had been verbally and physically abusing her for many years.

Here's how the victim said the final attack unfolded: Asleep with her dogs, she awoke to her husband shaking the bed, behaving erratically. He began to hit the dogs, and when she tried to protect them, he turned his fists onto her. The abuser then handed her a gun and ordered her to shoot him. However, he temporarily left the room, so she hid the firearm. During the attack, she fell to the ground and he began kicking her, breaking one of her ribs. He then threw her against the wall and dragged her into the living room where the assault continued. She said at one point she was hit so hard she lost her memory. When she awoke, she was on the couch and her husband had a gun to her head. He instead shot at the couch.

He then began threatening to burn down the house, saying he would kill her and her family, then burn her, and finally kill himself. When he disappeared into the garage, the woman retrieved the firearm she had hidden earlier. She heard him shifting around gas canisters, which police later found in the kitchen. The woman attempted to flee, but she was dragged her back into the house by her hair. That’s when he pinned her to the wall by her throat and continued to hit her. She felt she was losing consciousness so she fired the gun until “it was just clicking.”

The man died of his wounds, and the victim is facing no charges. (kctv5.com, Leavenworth County, Mo., 05/24/22)

 

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 642 And 66 America 250
Smith Wesson Model 642 And 66 America 250

New Guns 2026: Smith & Wesson America 250 Limited-Edition Model 642 and Model 66 Revolvers

Exclusive America 250 details include a USA 250 laser-engraved side plate, an enhanced blue synthetic boot grip, and a distinctive red thumb piece.

Team Beretta’s Kim Rhode Captures Gold at ISSF World Cup Hangzhou 2026

Rhode's latest victory adds to her extraordinary legacy, which includes multiple Olympic medals, World Championship titles and decades of success on the international stage.

New Guns 2026: Charter Arms Walker Revolver Series Ultra-Compact Rimfire Revolver

Designed for concealed carry, the Walker is available with either a .22 LR or .22 WMR chambering; both have eight-round capacities.

Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead Earns High Lady at 2026 Sheepdog Showdown

The national two-day PRS Pro Series point match emphasized precise execution, strong positional fundamentals and effective stage management.

7 Accessories for Your Semi-Automatic Rifle

These optional accessories might make your AR more comfortable or more effective.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 24, 2026

These victims of choking had to rely on the only lifesaving method they could.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.