Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and A Legacy of Rage

On April 19, 1993, the FBI had exhausted their patience with the Branch Davidians after a nearly three-month standoff. A breach had been ordered to get the men, women, and children residing in the Mount Carmel compound to surrender. The tanks began to toss tear gas into the compound. However, by mid-day, fires began to spread. Similar to the ATF raid that initiated the siege, things went terribly wrong. By the end of the apocalyptic inferno, 76 Branch Davidians were dead. The Branch Davidians, an offshoot of the Seventh Day Adventists, had anticipated the end times and were devoted to their leader, David Koresh. The ATF and FBI saw a cult that was violating laws and went all out to bring them to their knees.

Author Jeff Guinn has distinguished himself as a true crime author with his past works (The Road to Jonestown, Manson), and Waco furthers his credentials. Guinn compiled a remarkable record of the deadly shoot-out and tense standoff that mesmerized the nation for 51 days. Guinn maintains an even-keeled approach in his delegating of the blame for the tragedy and this book will serve as a reason why Waco must not be forgotten. A true crime classic.