S 4 E2 Cult Crimes - Part One

Join Teri & Jt as they dive into the crazy Cult Crimes

The Branch Davidians were a religious group that was led by David Koresh in Waco, Texas. The group was involved in a standoff with law enforcement officials that lasted for 51 days, from February 28 to April 19, 1993. The standoff ended when the FBI launched a tear gas attack on the compound, which resulted in a fire that killed 76 Branch Davidians, including 25 children.
The Branch Davidians were accused of a number of crimes, including weapons violations, child abuse, and sexual abuse. David Koresh, the leader of the group, was also accused of statutory rape, as he had allegedly had sexual relationships with several underage girls within the group.
The standoff began when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to execute a search warrant on the compound, suspecting that the Branch Davidians were stockpiling illegal weapons. The raid turned into a gunfight, leaving four ATF agents and six Branch Davidians dead. The incident received widespread media attention and became one of the most controversial and heavily scrutinized law enforcement operations in U.S. history.
The subsequent FBI investigation and siege of the compound were also heavily criticized, with some claiming that the FBI used excessive force and that the fire was caused by the FBI's tear gas canisters. The incident led to a number of investigations, including a congressional hearing, and prompted changes in the way law enforcement agencies handle such situations.
Overall, the Branch Davidians were involved in a number of crimes, but the events at the Waco compound remain a controversial and heavily debated topic.

Sources: Wikipedia History.com Orlando Sentinel AP ABC News Wikipedia