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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums25 Years Ago Today; Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX erupts in flames
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_siege
Casualties
4 ATF agents killed, 16 wounded.
6 killed on February 28.
76 killed on April 19.
Total: 82 killed
The Waco siege was the siege of a compound belonging to the Branch Davidians, carried out by American federal and Te Branch Davidians, was led by David Koresh and was headquartered at Mount Carmel Center ranch in the community of Axtell, Texas, 13 miles (21 kilometers) east-northeast of Waco. Suspecting the group of stockpiling illegal weapons, the ATF obtained a search warrant for the compound and arrest warrants for Koresh and a select few of the group's members.
The incident began when the ATF attempted to raid the ranch. An intense gun battle erupted, resulting in the deaths of four government agents and six Branch Davidians. Upon the ATF's failure to raid the compound, a siege lasting 51 days was initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Eventually, the FBI launched an assault and initiated a tear gas attack in an attempt to force the Branch Davidians out of the ranch. During the attack, a fire engulfed Mount Carmel Center. In total, 76 people died, including David Koresh.
Much dispute remains as to the actual events of the siege. A particular controversy ensued over the origin of the fire; an internal Justice Department investigation concluded in 2000 that sect members had started the fire. The events near Waco, and the siege at Ruby Ridge less than twelve months earlier, were both cited as the primary motivations behind the Oklahoma City bombing that took place exactly two years later.
</snip>
Casualties
4 ATF agents killed, 16 wounded.
6 killed on February 28.
76 killed on April 19.
Total: 82 killed
The Waco siege was the siege of a compound belonging to the Branch Davidians, carried out by American federal and Te Branch Davidians, was led by David Koresh and was headquartered at Mount Carmel Center ranch in the community of Axtell, Texas, 13 miles (21 kilometers) east-northeast of Waco. Suspecting the group of stockpiling illegal weapons, the ATF obtained a search warrant for the compound and arrest warrants for Koresh and a select few of the group's members.
The incident began when the ATF attempted to raid the ranch. An intense gun battle erupted, resulting in the deaths of four government agents and six Branch Davidians. Upon the ATF's failure to raid the compound, a siege lasting 51 days was initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Eventually, the FBI launched an assault and initiated a tear gas attack in an attempt to force the Branch Davidians out of the ranch. During the attack, a fire engulfed Mount Carmel Center. In total, 76 people died, including David Koresh.
Much dispute remains as to the actual events of the siege. A particular controversy ensued over the origin of the fire; an internal Justice Department investigation concluded in 2000 that sect members had started the fire. The events near Waco, and the siege at Ruby Ridge less than twelve months earlier, were both cited as the primary motivations behind the Oklahoma City bombing that took place exactly two years later.
</snip>
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25 Years Ago Today; Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX erupts in flames (Original Post)
Dennis Donovan
Apr 2018
OP
To avoid trouble with the Feds, don't shoot them when they arrive to serve a warrant . . .
hatrack
Apr 2018
#2
The authorities could have simply arrested him when he went into town, as he did daily.
Tipperary
Apr 2018
#6
Wow! I remember exactly where I was - it was breaking news and we were glued to the television
Rhiannon12866
Apr 2018
#7
Vogon_Glory
(9,118 posts)1. I still hold David Koresh responsible for the carnage.
He could have peacefully ended the siege days earlier, but hid behind a screen of women and children. Dozens of people DIED who could have lived because of his paranoid megalomania.
hatrack
(59,587 posts)2. To avoid trouble with the Feds, don't shoot them when they arrive to serve a warrant . . .
Ooh! Jackbooted thugs!!
mnmoderatedem
(3,728 posts)3. and now we have Trump Davidians
bringing the country down in flames.
RandiFan1290
(6,237 posts)4. Why didn't they just follow the officer's commands? nt
dembotoz
(16,808 posts)5. A reminder that some religious folks are real whack jobs
I am a person of faith but some folks make me shudder.
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)6. The authorities could have simply arrested him when he went into town, as he did daily.
I liked Reno, but this was a massive screw up.
Rhiannon12866
(205,480 posts)7. Wow! I remember exactly where I was - it was breaking news and we were glued to the television
It was unbelievable, one of the saddest American tragedies up to that point.