A man from New York who protected his children from gunfire was given termination papers by his bosses due to injuries that he suffered from the shooting.

Anthony Jefferson's fatherly instinct was caught on video when he shielded his three kids as pandemonium broke out at a car store in New York's Bronx district.

Jefferson was at the On The Road Automotive showroom earlier this week to buy a car as a surprise birthday gift for his wife, Danica, when two hooded gunmen barged in and opened fire at another man inside the dealership. The other man fired back at the gunmen, which created a major commotion inside the showroom

Anthony's already been out of the Jacobi Medical Center, but he has lost his two jobs as a result and his children are still in shock. The injuries that Anthony sustained have rendered him unable to walk at the moment, reports said.

Anthony quickly used his body to cover his kids, ages six, five and two, when the first bullet shattered the window, causing shards of glass flying all around the showroom.

The video showed Jefferson and the kids ducking behind a couch as the men fired from between the cars. Several other people were seen in the footage milling around the place when the gunshots erupted, forcing them to scramble for safety.

According to a GoFundMe page, that in just one day was able to secure over $16,000 of its $24,100 target, the 39-year old Anthony took three shots – two in his boot and one in his thigh – from the gunfire.

The fund is to help "this heroic dad with his medical bills and his kids with therapy. They're beyond traumatized," an accompanying GoFundMe message disclosed, as reported by the Independent.

He may be required to undergo surgery to remove a bullet in his right leg. The children were unharmed and the New York Police Department said they are still trying to identify the shooters.

Authorities, who believe the incident is gang-related, said they are hunting down two suspects -- one of whom immediately carjacked a vehicle after fleeing from the mayhem.

Jefferson lost his jobs as a head painter and construction worker because of his injury. His wife said that their children have become so distressed over the painful experience and even cry in their sleep.

The couple said they hope to seek therapy counseling for their children soon as they have suffered from anxiety from the ordeal, the GoFundMe page revealed.