Waco Siege Ends; Branch Davidian Compound Burns - April 19, 1993

Overview

• Date: April 19, 1993
• Location: Mount Carmel, Waco, Texas
• Incident: The FBI launches a tear-gas assault on the Branch Davidian compound, ending a 51-day standoff.
• Outcome: The compound is burned down. Approximately 80 Branch Davidians, including 22 children, die.

Background

• Branch Davidians: A religious sect led by David Koresh, originally Vernon Wayne Howell.
• David Koresh: Joined Branch Davidians in 1981, quickly rose in ranks, became leader by 1990 after a power struggle.
• Beliefs: Koresh claimed imminent apocalyptic events; advocated stockpiling weapons.

Timeline of Events

February 28, 1993

• ATF Raid: U.S. Treasury Dept.'s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempts a raid due to suspicions of illegal firearms.
• Gun Battle: Erupted during the raid, resulting in 4 ATF agents killed and 15 wounded; 6 Branch Davidians fatally wounded.
• Outcome: ATF agents withdraw after a 45-minute gunfight; ceasefire negotiated.

Standoff Period

• Duration: 51 days
• Negotiations: Conducted but made little progress as Branch Davidians were well-stocked with supplies.

April 19, 1993

• FBI Involvement: Took over after ATF raid failure.
• Tear-Gas Assault: Approved by Attorney General Janet Reno.
• Execution: Began at 6:00 a.m.; gas inserted into the building via combat vehicles and tanks.
• Fire Erupts: Around noon, a fire starts at multiple locations, leading to the compound's destruction.

Controversy and Investigation

• Government Stance: Asserted that Davidians set the fire based on eyewitness and forensic evidence.
• Gunfire Controversy: Possible suicides or elimination of dissenters during the fire.
• Criticism: Handling by ATF and FBI criticized; issues of incompetence or worse suggested.
• Admission: In 1999, FBI admitted using incendiary tear-gas grenades.

Aftermath

• Branch Davidians: Continued to exist in some form after the incident in Waco and globally.

Key Figures

• David Koresh: Leader, died in the fire.
• Janet Reno: U.S. Attorney General, approved the assault.

Related Historical Events (April 19)

• 1775: American Revolution begins at the Battle of Lexington.
• 1809: Thomas Jefferson sells an indentured servant to James Madison.
• 1897: First Boston Marathon held.
• 1995: Oklahoma City bombing.

Additional Resources

• HISTORY.com: Offers more information and context on the Waco Siege and related topics.

Note

• Accuracy: Strived for accuracy and fairness; contact HISTORY.com if inaccuracies are found.

This summary provides a high-level overview and context of the Waco Siege, its impact, and relevance in historical events.