Two would-be robbers armed with a shotgun came head on with an elite military force when they allegedly attempted to rob a McDonald's in eastern France Sunday.
Around 40 customers were eating and ordering when the two men burst in, fired in the air and ordered the staff to give them cash, according to the Telegraph.
Sitting among the terrified customers were 11 off-duty members of the French paramilitary special forces, Group d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale.
GIGN officers are "among the most effective anti-terror forces in Europe, if not the world," Col. Tim Collins, a former Special Air Service officer told the Telegraph.
Trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, protecting government officials and tackling organized crime, the officers were up to the task.
One of the robbers was reportedly apprehended without a shot fired when he tripped on his way out of the restaurant.
The second was shot in the abdomen after he allegedly pointed a gun at officers while trying to getaway with cash and ignoring their orders to drop his weapon.
