How It Really Happened

S03E09 Waco Part 1: God, Guns and the Government

In 1993, the government conducted a raid on a religious compound in Waco, Texas, primarily due to concerns over illegal weapons and reports of child abuse. Inside the Branch Davidian compound, members followed the teachings of their leader, David Koresh, who claimed to have divine revelations. The group held a strict lifestyle that included stockpiling firearms and engaging in controversial religious practices. This tense situation ultimately escalated into a 51-day standoff between the Branch Davidians and federal authorities, culminating in a tragic ending that drew national attention.