Based on a true story The 1997 North Hollywood shootout at the Bank of America was perhaps the most bizarre and most heroic incident to occur in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department. As the various units ? from the Sheriffs Dept to the FBI - took up positions automatic gunfire could be heard from within. Responding officers had no idea if hostages were being executed or who was being fired upon. The brazen conduct of the suspects as they exited the bank with weapons which far outweighed that of the police - appalled all at the scene but deterred none. Officers and civilians lives were saved that day by the individual heroic actions of many. Since the shootout North Hollywood has adopted a new motto- The Day Willpower Beat Firepower.