On this episode of History of the 90s we finish up our look back at Doomsday Cults at the end of the 20th century with the story of the Branch Davidians and the complicated legacy of the deadly siege in Waco, Texas.

In February 1993, ATF agents raided the Davidians compound in Waco, Texas after learning they were stockpiling weapons. Agents expected to execute a typical arrest warrant but instead ended up in a deadly gun battle with Branch Davidian leader David Koresh and his followers.

A 51-day standoff between the FBI and the Davidians ended when flames swept through the compound after tear gas was fired into the buildings. 75 people died, including 25 children.

Charges and counter charges followed the incident and questions about how the fires stared and whether federal agents or Davidians were responsible for the deadly outcome remain to this day.

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Guest:

Dick Reavis, author of The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation.

https://www.texasmonthly.com/author/dick-reavis/

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Doomsday Cults Part 4: Branch Davidians | 27

History of the 90s