RIDGELAND, S.C. () — A Ridgeland barbershop turned chaotic this morning when two masked men tried to rob the business.

One of them was armed with a machete and the situation quickly escalated, forcing a barber to act in self-defense.

talked exclusively with employees and clients who were there during and after the attempted robbery.

A long-time client of the barbershop said their weapon of choice they brought to the robbery was an interesting one.

“A machete,” said Ian Josowitz. “Something that you don’t hear about around here every day.”

Employees said there were two masked men that came through the back door, which is meant for employees.

One was equipped with the large blade and threatening the barbers and their clients for money.

The assailant then announced to the room “you know what this is”, which prompted one barber, who wishes to remain anonymous, to act in self-defense.

“He promptly pulled out his legal firearm and used his right to defend himself,” said Josowitz, who is a client specific to the barber who shot the gun.

Ridgeland Police Department confirmed the barber is a legal firearm owner.

The barber told that the man with the machete had waved it at him and his client. That prompted him to reach for his gun.

He said the assailant then stepped even closer. He fired one shot, hitting the assailant in the chest.

The two masked men ran for the back door, dropping the machete in the act. Employees said the man who had the machete collapsed and died outside near the back entrance of the building.

Ridgeland P.D. confirmed 55-year-old Curtis Edward Scott as the man with the machete. He died from the gunshot wound.

Clients said that it’s unfortunate someone died, but the robbers were coming in and threatening to harm people inside the shop.

They said they’re thankful for the barbers’ quick reaction to the threat.

“It’s just really cool to see him, you know, stand up for his clients, for himself, and be able to go home and see his child and his wife,” said Josowitz.

The barber said he doesn’t want the fact he shot the man to be glorified, but he said he had to do what he had to do to make sure he returned home to his wife, his son and newborn baby.

“Why we have the ability to carry is for this exact reason,” said Josowitz. “Not to go out and commit crimes, but to stop them from happening.”

Long-time and new clients said the incident is not stopping them from coming back to the barbershop.

“I feel safer than ever. I mean, it just happened a few hours ago. I’m in here,” said Josowitz. “It doesn’t stop me from wanting to come in here at all. And I don’t think it’s going to stop anyone in this town. What it should do is bring more people in to support people doing the right thing rather than the wrong thing.”

Employees said the other assailant did get away.

Ridgeland P.D. did not confirm if there was another assailant involved.

The investigation is ongoing.