LAPD Conduct Drill Response To WMD Device In Downtown

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Thousands of attendees at a Homeland Security conference in downtown Los Angeles Thursday got a first-hand demonstration of how the city would handle a terrorist attack.

A team of LAPD officers from the Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau provided a demonstration that included a "response to a weapons of mass destruction device."

The drill, which took place on Figueroa between 5th and 4th Street,  involved "blank" gunfire, low-flying police helicopters, LAPD officers repelling from the helicopters, and emergency vehicles with lights and sirens.

"The only thing that could be more real are dead bodies and real bullets," LAPD Deputy Chief Mike Downing said.

Police said in the event of an actual attack, all activity that was demonstrated would be in place in 45 minutes.

Several streets were closed in relation to the event including Figueroa and 5th Street.

The drill took place against the backdrop of the 2013 National Homeland Security Conference at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on Figueroa.