THE DEADLY 44 MINUTE HOLLYWOOD SHOOT OUT OF FEB. 28 1997.

On February 28, 1997, a significant event unfolded in North Hollywood, Los Angeles: the infamous North Hollywood shootout. This violent encounter began when two heavily armed robbers, Larry Eugene Phillips Jr. and Emil Mattisanu, attempted to rob a Bank of America branch. Equipped with assault rifles and body armor, the pair instigated a shootout with police that lasted nearly 44 minutes and resulted in a staggering 2,000 rounds fired. This confrontation not only left both suspects dead but also caused injuries to 12 police officers and eight civilians. The incident highlighted critical flaws in police preparedness and response, prompting a nationwide reevaluation of law enforcement tactics and weaponry. The fallout from the shootout led to the reassessment of police armament across the United States, influencing how police forces would be equipped to handle similar situations in the future.