A 65-year-old man was walking with his wife on a Philadelphia street just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when they were approached by two men, 21 and 20, and an argument ensued.

The two younger men allegedly began beating the 65-year-old man while his wife watched. “They were punching him and caused bruising to his face,” Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters.

But the attack apparently didn’t last long.

It turns out the victim has a concealed carry license and put it to use, pulling out his .45 caliber pistol and shooting his two assailants, investigators told WCAU-TV.

The 21-year-old was hit once in the neck, and the 20-year-old was hit in the stomach, WCAU said, adding that one is in stable condition while the other is in serious condition.

Police told WCAU the district attorney’s office will determine whether or not the shooting in the Queen Village section of the city was in self-defense.

The 65-year-old man was also taken to the hospital for treatment. His wife was not hurt.