David Koresh and the Branch Davidians
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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 Davids rooms.”
The siege ended on April 19 when the complex was tear-gassed and a fire engulfed the building. Eighty Branch Davidians died either in the fire or from gunfire. The dead included their 33-year-old leader David and 17 children.
Davy Aguilera was the ATF agent whose firearms investigation of the Branch Davidians led to the raid on the compound at waco. Aguilera relives scenes in his head from the siege everyday. Memories of the tragedy have tormented Davy causing emotional trauma, feelings of guilt and failed relationships. In 1994 he left Texas for a new job.
The FBI totally failed to understand what Koresh was doing and what his purposes were. Throughout the siege Koresh said he was waiting for a message from God before he would come out. The FBI had no understandings of the bible or Koreshs references. This sealed the fate for the compound at Waco.