Waco Inncodent Essay Example

greatly admired displayed remarkable diversity. It consisted of individuals from various backgrounds, some with prestigious degrees like Harvard Law School, while others who had not completed high school. I formed connections with people from different ethnicities, including African Americans, Australians, Black Britons, Mexican Americans, and more.

The Waco disaster presented an ironic situation as right-wing extremists and racists viewed Mount Carmel as a symbol without realizing that a significant portion of us were actually Blacks, Asians, and Latinos who strongly opposed their hateful politics and anger. If they had known this fact, they would have felt tremendously betrayed.

The community seemed like a secluded bubble within an idealistic world where people of different races, colors, and religions coexisted harmoniously while worshipping God together; being part of it filled me with gratitude.

This is the story of how I met my best friend and the person who changed my life, guiding me towards God. He often shared tales from his past, his conversations with God, and his journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Born in 1955 near Houston, Texas, David grew up without knowing his father and with a mother who didn't want to raise him. Raised by his grandparents, he experienced loneliness. Dropping out of high school at a young age, he spent much of his time studying music and the Bible on his own.

When he turned 20 years old, David started attending different churches and expressing his unique mindset. However, this led to him being asked to leave eventually. He then traveled around taking odd jobs to earn money while pursuing his dream of becoming a rock star in Hollywood. Unfortunately, this venture proved unsuccessful.

David eventually returned

to Texas and became involved with the Branch Davidian religious sect that settled outside Waco. During this time, he had an affair with Lois Roden, an elderly prophetess who taught him about God in various religious cities including Israel. After Lois Roden's passing away , a power struggle for the position of head prophet emerged between Koresh (David) and George (Lois's son). Initially leaving with his followers but returning later on resulted in a gunfight breaking out.

After emerging victorious from the battle that followed , David faced trial for attempted murder which ultimately ended in mistrial.
David informed me that George was suspected of mistreating a corpse, and he explained that he had shot at a tree. Given David's gentle nature and strong devotion to God, I placed my trust in him. Eventually, David became the leader of the Branch Davidians and adopted the name David Koresh, meaning "Cyrus" in Hebrew. In Hebrew history, Cyrus was the Persian king who allowed Jewish captives in Babylon to return to Israel. It was impossible not to be influenced by this remarkable individual with exceptional problem-solving skills who had greatly assisted me. Moreover, as a prophet himself, it became undeniable that we should follow David, particularly when comparing his qualities to those of Jesus.

Both individuals had fathers who were carpenters and left their lives at an early stage. They both showed impressive knowledge of scriptures at a young age. Their messages were preached in Palestine and rejected by religious leaders. Both of them were betrayed by Judas, faced prosecution, imprisonment, and death. Authorities came to arrest them and they suffered wounds to their hands and sides. Additionally, they both

died at the age of 33 and believed in resurrection.

While Jesus may not have returned, God sent David as the second prophet, seen as a god within himself. The speaker cherished spending time with David and their community.

Referring to the Waco incident described in justice department reports, around 9:30 a.m., agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) began executing arrest and search warrants against David Koresh and the Branch Davidian compound. Gunfire followed which resulted in four ATF agents' deaths and injuries to 16 others. An unknown number of Davidians were also killed or injured.

Shortly after that day's events, the FBI took charge as the leading agency in resolving the standoff with Jeff Jamar appointed as on-site commander. Later that day, advance units of the FBI's hostage rescue team (HRT) arrived engaging in telephone conversations with Koresh, Steve Schneider , Wayne Martin , Jim Savanaugh from ATF ,and Waco police Lt.Larry Lynch . Koresh revealed his hip injury along with an injury to his left wristDespite this, he is granted permission to deliver his religious teachings on Dallas radio station, KLRD, and conducts a telephone interview with CNN. Meanwhile, Michael Schroeder, a Branch Davidian member, loses his life while attempting to return to the main building. The Texas Rangers' investigation is abruptly halted by the FBI. Around 5:30 p.m., Jamar arrives in Waco and designates Byron Sage of the FBI as the chief negotiator. This event marks the beginning of the fire on the first day. Amidst all of these events, there is widespread confusion. The power and phone lines have been cut off, forcing the group to rely on MREs (Meals

Ready to Eat) previously purchased by David for such circumstances. While some children are allowed to leave voluntarily, David engages in conversations with the FBI. However, one individual remains steadfastly loyal to David and refuses to abandon him during this crisis period. She emphasizes that he has been immensely helpful and declares her unwillingness to betray him like Judas did, asserting their innocence in their preparations for the anticipated second coming and exercise of their constitutional rights pertaining to religious freedom and bearing arms. Despite these challenging circumstances, prayer and scripture study provide solace for them amidst the ongoing crisis at hand. Additionally, it should be noted that I can personally verify this statement as I was present at that time

At 5:59 a.m., the person in charge communicates with the Davidians using a loudspeaker, informing them about an upcoming tear-gas assault and advising them to surrender.

At 6:02 a.m., two FBI combat engineering vehicles (CEVs) start releasing gas into the compound through spray nozzles connected to a boom.

The Davidians begin firing at 6:04 a.m., leading to the deployment of Bradley vehicles by the FBI to shoot ferret rounds through the windows.

By 6:31 a.m., the HRT reports that gas is dispersed throughout the entire building.

Around 7 a.m., senior advisors gather in the FBI situation room.

At 7:30 a.m., one CEV breaches the front side of the building on the first floor and injects gas.

Gas is introduced into the second floor of the back-right corner of the building at 8:00 am.

The FBI requests additional gas from outside Waco, and at 9:20 am, 48 more ferret rounds arrive from Houston.

Around 9:30 am, another CEV

enlarges an opening in the middle-front of the building for potential escape routes as supply diminishes and mechanical issues arise due to strong winds dispersing gas.

A third CEV without a gas delivery system breaches rear side near gymnasium, creating openings.

Chief operations updates Clinton on progress around at approximately11:00 am before leaving for a judicial conference in Baltimore at11:30 am.

At11:40am, final ferret rounds are brought to compound.Shortly after, at 11:45 a.m., there is a collapse of a wall on the right-rear side of the building. At 12:07 p.m., the Davidians start multiple fires in different areas within the compound. Around this time, a male is observed starting a fire in front of the building. By 12:25 p.m., FBI agents hear systematic gunfire from inside, leading them to suspect self-harm or violence among Davidians. Firefighting efforts begin at 12:41 p.m. HRT agents enter tunnels searching for survivors, particularly children (WGBH/FRONTLINE). In this chaotic moment, all I remember seeing is red from the fires. Thick black smoke limits visibility and makes it hard to breathe. Lifeless bodies with blood splatter lay on the ground as it creeps towards walls gradually. The sound and feeling of bullets piercing wood and shattering glass make me feel as if someone evil is watching closely behind me.In addition to that, I get injured by an unintentional bullet during this ordeal.I am covered in so much blood that I cannot determine where exactly my leg was hurt.However,I need to escape quickly before losing consciousness.I spot an exit door and immediately head towards it.After being tackled by ATF agents outside, I was rushed to a nearby hospital as my life hung in the balance.When

I finally regained consciousness, I found myself confined in a cold steel cage, still feeling disoriented.It became clear that the police had imprisoned me, but I struggled to fully grasp the situationTheir prideful discussion of their actions, boasting about their kill count and callously laughing, filled the air. Days later, I was escorted by police to a seemingly never-ending courtroom proceeding where every piece of information was meticulously examined. Despite my innocence, these individuals were determined to indefinitely imprison me, violating my constitutional rights. It was later revealed that eight others had also escaped; however, devastatingly almost 80 beloved family members - those I worshipped with and watched grow up - had perished. The unimaginable thought weighed heavily on me; prison seemed like my only option for now. Multiple state and federal charges for arms violations were brought against me, along with accusations of murder and carrying a firearm during an offense. However, I am currently appealing these charges. What perplexes me is that our intention was never to incite war. It was the FBI and ATF who instigated the massacre of nearly 80 individuals, including men, women, and children. Astonishingly, there has been no accountability or detention for government and military officials involved in these offenses that surpass what they are trying to arrest us for. Yet their significant financial resources, power, and political support expose flaws within the American justice system.
Over the past few months, I have gathered proof of wrongdoing by the government and military in the dismantling of the Waco compound. The ATF and FBI engaged in unlawful and unethical behavior on multiple occasions. It is crucial to bear in mind

that this pertains to our own government, despite coming across disturbing quotes and information.

During my time in our compound, I had several discussions with David without any mention of mass suicide or instigating a fight. I distinctly remember hearing David speaking on the phone with the FBI, assuring them that he and his followers would surrender peacefully to give them a fair chance to judge him. This statement provided reassurance regarding the safety of the children and families in our compound. It is perplexing why there was such an outcry over this situation. If their intention was to apprehend David, they could have easily done so while he went jogging in the mornings and then searched our compound afterward. However, instead of pursuing that approach, they initiated a standoff which tragically resulted in over eighty fatalities.

Furthermore, during my research, I came across unsettling information supported by an article from Dallas News which quoted former CIA officer Gene Cullen discussing three or four Delta Force commandos who revealed their significant involvement during the operation. Additionally, an affidavit from a former sergeant first class in the army special forces mentioned how a Noncommissioned officer informed him about Delta Forces B squadron being assigned to bring down the Branch Davidians at Mt.Carmel Compound. Interestingly enough, personnel from the Department of Defense were also present alongside them despite legal restrictions prohibiting their participation in police or law enforcement operations.Approval from the President is required for the deployment of a covert unit like Delta Force, whether it is domestic or international. Concerns have been raised about Clinton's involvement in another scandal, as I received various articles while in prison suggesting

that federal officials may have taken advantage of a change in the Posse Comitatos act in 1990. This amendment allowed military involvement in anti-drug operations to support the ATF and/or FBI.

Initially, when the ATF requested military assistance for their raid on the compound, they were informed that they would need to reimburse the army because there was no known drug connection. However, a month later, the ATF included drug-related activities in their investigation of Branch Davidians, which Congress considered intentionally misleading.

Moreover, it is possible that both the ATF and FBI violated state laws in Texas and Alabama by using National Guard personnel and equipment against Branch Davidians. The law prohibits Texas National Guard from participating in civilian law enforcement activities unless there is clear evidence of drug involvement. On the other hand, Alabama law states that its National Guard force has no authority beyond state borders.Concerns have been raised about the deployment of National Guard personnel and equipment at Mt. Carmel, with a congressional report suggesting that the Alabama and Texas National Guards may have acted without proper authority. This potential violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and even the U.S. Constitution has caused alarm. The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement operations unless approved by Congress for special cases. Additionally, according to the Constitution, states cannot form treaties without consent from Congress.

The National Guard Bureau strongly emphasizes that using the National Guard for law enforcement activities across state lines is strictly forbidden. Therefore, it appears that the Alabama National Guard conducted military operations in Texas without proper authorization. I obtained a newspaper clip regarding false drug charges against the Davidians,

highlighting that while local law enforcement can deploy state guardsmen in accordance with the Posse Comitatus Act, this practice is prohibited by law specifically in Texas.

Approval to use National Guards for law enforcement purposes can only be granted if there is evidence of drug violations and solely for observation reasons. Lieutenant Colonel William Pettit, who coordinates the Texas Counterdrug Task Force within the Texas National Guard, gave his approval to this request.There are doubts about Pettit's approval because the ATF fax did not mention any suspected drug violations related to the compound. The warrant stated that 11 members of the sect had previous connections to drugs, but during interviews, ATF agents claimed that only one member had a drug conviction. Approval from the Texas governor is required by state law for using National Guard from another state, regardless of whether charges are drug-related or not. Alabama state law does not allow its National Guard to operate outside of the state. These allegations were never taken to court and raise concerns. Furthermore, a former senior FBI official revealed that pyrotechnic tear gas grenades capable of starting fires were used on the final day of the Branch Davidian siege in 1993, contradicting federal authorities' statements about not using anything that could ignite fires. In an interview, former official Danny O. Coulson clarified that M651 CS gas grenades fired from FBI grenade launchers in April 1993 did not cause the fatal fire at the Branch Davidians compound. The federal government consistently denies intentionally starting the fire and claims that tear gas was used to address potential fire risks.Despite the abundance of evidence requiring further investigation, it is unlikely

that action will be taken against those responsible. This is because it is anticipated that the government will conceal and dismiss these allegations. Whistleblowers who expose misconduct often face negative consequences or are silenced, which contradicts my belief system centered on god and country. Thankfully, I have discovered a community where our harmonious coexistence with god remains unaffected by race, color, or gender.

The government's unjust actions of falsely accusing us of illegal activities at the Waco compound, such as establishing a militia or brainwashing children, clearly violate the law. It is concerning that individuals can have their constitutional rights stripped away without any repercussions from government and military officials. There appears to be no investigations or court cases addressing these allegations, giving the impression that this issue is deliberately being avoided.

What astonishes me is how boldly the government violates laws without even attempting to hide their mistakes. These scandals received extensive coverage from media outlets, leading to an increasing distrust in our government, military, and president. This skepticism raises doubts about potential cover-ups of wrongdoing when former FBI, CIA, and military officials agree that Alabama and Texas National Guardsmen were wrongly involved while sworn statements indicate active participation from squadron B of the Delta Force during the siege.In addition, there are reports suggesting the use of gas grenades that could potentially ignite fires within the wooden compound. This raises concerns about whether true freedom exists or if our situation is similar to Russia, where we are only exposed to government-approved information. Despite Congress unanimously recognizing the illegality and unprofessionalism of the siege on Waco, no actions have been taken to address this matter. These circumstances

cast doubt on the fairness of our justice system, which appears to favor those in power when it suits them. As I reflect on my uncertain future from my prison cell, I contemplate whether I should appeal, attempt a solo overthrow of the government, or seek refuge elsewhere once this ordeal ends. Perhaps I could establish a new religion and form a small community with others who have become disillusioned by our corrupt government.
Don, my intention was to express the prevailing thoughts of some individuals today. It is disheartening to witness such widespread corruption within our government and their ability to evade punishment for violating state and federal laws. Let me clarify that I do not support Koresh's actions; he and his followers were undoubtedly wrong and deserved imprisonment as well as seizure of their compound to eliminate any illegal items.Executing actions without regard for the law is compared to a modern-day lynching that should not be overlooked or left unpunished. The frustration and disbelief expressed towards those involved in the Waco siege, including potentially complicit presidents, who exploit the law and avoid consequences, is likened to a corrupted movie plot involving politicians, bribed law enforcement officers, and unethical judges. While hoping for a hero to emerge, the writer acknowledges its unlikelihood. Their rural background makes it hard for them to comprehend why people act in such ways. Hard work, trustworthiness, and being trusted by others are valued principles that seem disregarded in today's society dominated by self-interest. Supporting freedom of bearing arms, speech, and religion while respecting others' beliefs without imposing their own faith on them is important to the writer. However, when

individuals stockpile weapons and engage in illegal activities, legal action becomes necessary for everyone's safety. The writer finds it difficult to understand why some prioritize religion so much that they are willing to die defending their compound at any cost. Although the Waco siege may have ended, believing one is safe would be a mistake as there are numerous religious cults engaged in illegal activities like molestation, embezzlement drug trafficking ,and murder within the United States.To understand the potential for cults inciting a small vigilante war due to their religious beliefs, we can analyze a similar incident that occurred near Route 250. This information is derived from McCombs 6 and the Works Cited entry "As Reno opens new Waco probe, Military defends roll" from the News Tribune CO on April 3, 2000.

Meyers Peter wrote an article titled "Serendipity" on the Waco Massacre, which was published on April 4, 2000.

The document "The Rules of Engagement" was produced in 1996 and released on April 1, 2000 in Waco.

Thibodeau, David and Leon Whiteson. A Place Called Waco. Public Affairs Books April 2, 2000.

Reavis, Dick J.. The Ashes of Waco. The Ashes of Waco April, 1998 April 4, 2000.