Episode 5 - Guns, God, & the United States Government

How the Apocalypse Came to Texas

David Koresh, also known as Vernon Howell, the leader of the Mt. Carmel Center apocalyptic religious group.

David Koresh, also known as Vernon Howell, the leader of the Mt. Carmel Center apocalyptic religious group.

In 1993, a fringe religious group with an apocalyptic belief system and a charismatic leader who abused children and called himself the Son of God put the town of Waco, Texas on the map for horrific reasons.

US government agencies knew the group was stockpiling illegal weapons at an alarming rate. Their efforts to serve warrants at the group’s compound resulted in numerous deaths, scores of injuries, a 51-day standoff, and a final, fiery end that would amount to one of the deadliest events in the history of United States law enforcement.

Top L to R: Combat Engineering Vehicle near the front of the compound 19 April 1993, Buildings showing early fire outbreaks 19 April 1993, Spreading fire 19 April 1993.

2nd Row L to R: Fireball from large explosion 19 April 1993, Ruins left by the fire 19 April 1993, ATF agents attempting to breach the compound 28 February 1993.

3rd Row L to R: ATF agents moving wounded agent 28 February 1993, ATF agents moving wounded agent 28 February 1993, ATF agents tending wounded agent on vehicle hood 28 February 1993.

4th Row L to R: Badges of ATF agents deceased in raid on 28 February 1993, Some of the weapons recovered from the compound, Floorplan of the first floor of the compound.

5th Row L to R: Floorplan of the second floor of the compound, Protestor in front of the US Supreme Court 19 April 2000, Mugshot of Vernon Howell, a.k.a. David Koresh.