Waco: Introduction (01:22)

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This segment orients viewers to the topic of the Branch Davidians and their confrontation with law enforcement 25 years ago.

David Koresh (03:52)

Koresh was a self-proclaimed messiah who used the Bible as a weapon; he told Branch Davidians "they" were coming for them. David Bunds and Mary Garofalo discuss Koresh's background; Bonnie Clark describes her son.

Branch Davidians (05:42)

Members of the religious group came from all walks of life; they believed in a doomsday prophecy. Koresh became their leader and dictated every aspect of their lives; former members describe their lifestyle and the discipline.

Mount Carmel (03:59)

Ruby Ridge was the first example of anti-government fervor that resulted in disaster. Koresh isolated the Branch Davidians on a compound; the group had a strong sense of family. Experts describe Koresh's religious manipulation.

Sinful Messiah (05:28)

Koresh claimed several women on the compound as his wives; many were underage. Membership to the House of David was a privilege. Kiri Jewel describes her relationship with Koresh.

"God and Guns" (04:07)

Guns are a common part of life in Texas. Koresh wanted to militarize his followers; he believed the end of the world would herald a battle between the faithful and the government. The ATF began investigating the Branch Davidians after a delivery of hand grenades.

Operation Trojan Horse (03:53)

The ATF investigated the Branch Davidians for illegal firearms manufacturing and child abuse; 77 agents were involved in the initial raid on the compound. Robert Rodriguez was a plant in the Branch Davidians.

Raiding the Branch Davidian Compound (06:13)

The media tipped off the Branch Davidians to the impending ATF raid; Rodriguez told the ATF the group knew they were coming. Agents and former Branch Davidians describe the event; the media filmed agents entering the buildings.

Gunfire at Mount Carmel (06:11)

The media reported the standoff between federal agents and Branch Davidians; Wayne Martin called 911 from inside the compound. Koresh spoke with Lt. Larry Lynch; he was shot. Agents and former Branch Davidians describe the event.

Waco Siege: Day One (05:01)

At least five people were dead after the initial raid on the compound. Koresh received significant publicity; the media disputed reports from federal agents. Branch Davidians believed they were all going to die.

Waco Siege: Negotiations (06:18)

Negotiators wanted Koresh to release the children from the compound and he agreed to send them out two by two; Joann Vaega recalls her release. Experts discuss the mindset of the parents and what they learned from the children who were released.

Waco Siege: Day Two (04:46)

Hundreds of police and federal agents surrounded the compound; Branch Davidians rationed food and water. Negotiators tried to establish trust with Koresh and asked him to video his followers.

Waco Siege: Day Four (03:34)

Koresh recorded a message promising to peacefully surrender and Branch Davidians prepared to leave the compound; he changed his mind. The FBI advanced onto the property with tanks.

Waco Siege: Day Twenty Seven (05:48)

The FBI hostage rescue, negotiation, and tactical teams were disconnected; agents did many things to provoke the Branch Davidians. David Schneider was an important person inside the compound. The compound became somewhat of a tourist attraction and fodder for comedians while tensions continued to rise.

Waco Siege: Day Fifty One (06:36)

Winds were strong as tanks advanced into the compound with tear gas; Branch Davidians put on gas masks. The building caught fire and spread rapidly. Koresh's body was found next to Schneider's with a bullet wound to the forehead; 78 people died the last day of the siege.

Waco is a Touchstone (05:11)

Mike Hanson created a museum about the events at Waco that many say reveals governmental threat to American people; events significantly impacted Timothy McVeigh. Congressional investigations resulted in conflicting "truths" about Waco. Many people helped rebuild the church at Mount Carmel.

After the Waco Siege (03:33)

Branch Davidians continue to worship; see the memorial at Waco. Experts reflect on Koresh and the events at Mount Carmel.