Key Facts
- Duration
- 51 days (Feb 28 – Apr 19, 1993)
- Branch Davidian deaths
- 76, including 20–28 children and David Koresh
- ATF agent deaths
- 4
- Branch Davidian deaths in initial raid
- 6
- Total casualties
- 86 dead
Strategic Narrative Overview
On February 28, 1993, ATF agents attempted a daylight raid; a firefight erupted, killing four ATF agents and six Branch Davidians. The FBI then assumed command and initiated a 51-day siege, conducting negotiations that failed to achieve a peaceful resolution. On April 19, the FBI deployed CS gas to force occupants out. Fires broke out almost immediately, rapidly consuming the compound's buildings.
01 / The Origins
Federal authorities suspected the Branch Davidians, a religious cult headquartered at Mount Carmel Center ranch near Waco, Texas, of illegally stockpiling weapons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms obtained search and arrest warrants targeting leader David Koresh and several members. A planned surprise raid was compromised when a local reporter inadvertently alerted Koresh's brother-in-law, leaving the group armed and prepared before ATF agents arrived.
03 / The Outcome
The fire killed 76 Branch Davidians, including David Koresh and 20–28 children. The origin of the blaze remains disputed: federal reports attributed it to the Branch Davidians, while critics argued law enforcement actions contributed. The siege inflamed anti-government sentiment and was cited by Timothy McVeigh as motivation for the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent
David Koresh.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.