David Koresh and the Branch Davidians

David Koresh and the Branch Davidians

In 1993, 80 members of the Branch Davidian sect died when U.S. agents stormed their compound in Waco, Texas. These were led to there death by a charismatic young man, David Koresh, who believed he was a prophet chosen by God. It is very difficult to understand what happened at the Waco siege, and its memories are stuck in the minds of those who were there.

The siege was at the 77-acre Mount Carmel ranch, about a 20-minute drive from 135, the busy freeway that links Dallas and Austin.

Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) raided the compound owned by the Branch Davidians in February 1993 to investigate allegations or weapons hoarding. This was the beginning of the 51-day stand off between sect members and the FBI. Survivors say, "BATF were shooting when they came in. Three helicopters in V-formation firing on David's rooms."

The siege ended on April 19 when the complex was tear-gassed and a fire engulfed the building. Eighty Branch Davidians