Waco siege, 1993

The Waco Siege, also known as the Waco Standoff, was a 51-day confrontation in 1993 between American federal law enforcement agencies and the Branch Davidians, a religious group led by David Koresh, near Waco, Texas. On February 28, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) attempted to execute a search and arrest warrant at the group's Mount Carmel Center. The operation quickly escalated into an armed confrontation, resulting in deaths on both sides. Following the initial raid, the FBI took control of the situation and began a lengthy siege. For 51 days, federal agents surrounded the compound while negotiations continued. The standoff attracted enormous media attention, with armored vehicles, including M3 Bradley fighting vehicles, becoming part of the operation. On April 19, 1993, the FBI launched its final operation, using armored vehicles and tear gas to bring the standoff to an end. A fire subsequently engulfed the compound, killing 76 Branch Davidians, including men, women and children. The Waco Siege remains one of the most controversial events in modern American law enforcement history, raising serious questions about federal authority, the use of force, religious extremism and the tragic consequences of the 51-day confrontation.