At Mount Carmel in Waco, Texas, agents of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
launched a raid against the Branch Davidian compound as
part of an investigation into illegal possession of firearms
and explosives by the cult.
Following the unsuccessful ATF raid, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation took over the situation. A standoff with the
Branch Davidians stretched into seven weeks.
David Koresh and at least 80 of his followers, including 22
children, died during the federal government’s second
disastrous assault. A fire erupted and the compound
was completely engulfed by the flames.
David Koresh (born Vernon Wayne Howell)
(August 17, 1959 – April 19, 1993)