What Was The Waco Siege?
The Waco Siege took place from February 28 to April 19, 1993, when US authorities raided the headquarters of an apocalyptic religious sect, called the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. The sect, run by David Koresh, was accused of polygamy, child abuse and rape. The first day of the siege included the use of 80 police vehicles and two cattle trailers, and was initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. As the authorities arrived at the sect’s compound, a fatal gun battle broke out, which lasted for over one hour. Several Branch Davidians were injured in the shooting, including possibly Koresh, who broadcasted radio messages throughout Texas about the assault against his church. One person died during the first day of the siege. The siege continued for 51 days, with the involvement of the FBI. The FBI and other authorities assumed that Koresh was keeping his followers hostage in the compound and they considered the event a hostage-taking. Nine US army tanks were
