In 1993, federal agents raided the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, and generated a legacy that continues to shape antigovernment groups today.

Why Waco is Still a Battleground in the 2nd Amendment Debate

Producer: Liam Dalzell
Editors: Bret Sigler and Jeff Bernier

In 1993, millions of Americans watched as federal agents laid siege to the Mt. Carmel compound of the Branch Davidians, after a shootout with the ATF left four agents and six Davidians dead. Fifty-one days later, the FBI sought to end the standoff by tear-gassing the compound. It went up in flames. Seventy-five Davidians died, including its self-appointed messiah, David Koresh.

Independent investigators later determined the Davidians had set the fire themselves, but after two decades the images continued to endure as a powerful symbol. Today, “Waco” is still a rallying point for antigovernment groups, militia, and self-proclaimed patriots who continually fear government aggression.

Related:
Memories of Waco Siege Continue to Fuel Far-Right Groups by Clyde Haberman

Transcript Lesson Plan

More on the Story

Janet Reno, First Woman to Serve as U.S. Attorney General, Dies at 78 The New York Times
Cliven Bundy, 4 Others, Face Federal Indictment in Nevada The New York Times
In the Shadow of Waco, a Legacy of Government Mistrust The Takeaway
Related Coverage
The Waco tragedy, explained Vox
Memories of Waco Siege Continue to Fuel Far-Right Groups The New York Times
An interesting Wednesday looms locally and nationally The Examiner
NYT Warns: Right-Wing Extremists Haven't Forgotten Waco Truth Revolt
Retro Report: Memories of Waco Continue to Fuel Far-Right Groups Gun Pro Plus
NYTimes: “Memories of Waco Siege Continue to Fuel Far-Right Groups” The Real Revo
The Shadow of Waco Reddit