Evaluation of the Handling of the Branch Davidian Stand-off in Waco, Texas/Summary of the Negotiations
ATF requested assistance from the FBI on February 28, 1993 after ATF agents had attempted to serve an arrest and search warrant on the Branch Davidian Compound. Four ATF agents were killed, 20 agents wounded and an unknown number of Davidians were killed and wounded in the ensuing gun battle.
The FBI assembled a group of its best and most experienced negotiators from its Critical Incident Negotiations Team ("CINT"). The FBI's behavioral experts from its National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime ("NCAVC") were assigned to assess the behavior of Koresh and his followers. ATF specifically requested the assistance of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT"), a highly trained and rigorously selected counter terrorist unit designed for high threat tactical assignments. FBI SWAT teams were deployed along with a full crisis management team consisting of three SACs and four ASACs supervising two command posts with full technical support. The FBI arrived at Mt. Carmel on February 28, set up its command posts and began telephone negotiations with the people inside the compound. It was estimated that over 100 men, women and children with nearly 250 weapons were inside the compound. The compound was stocked with a year's supply of food rations and was otherwise prepared to withstand an extended siege. David Koresh, the group's charismatic leader, had been wounded in the gun battle with ATF.
Early negotiations were successful, and twenty-one children and two elderly adults exited the compound during the first six days of the stand-off. On the evening of February 28, 1993 Koresh promised that if a recorded message from him were played on a certain radio station, children would be released from the compound two-by-two. The message was played for the first time at approximately 7:30 that evening. About an hour later two children, Angelica and Crystal Sonobe, were escorted out of the compound by their mother, who went back in. The message was rebroadcast and two more children, Rene Fagan and Nehara Fagan, were released. The next morning at 6:30 two more children were released; at 10:30 two more were released; at 4:00 two more were released; at 8:30 two more were released and at 11:00 two more were released.
The next day, on March 1, 1993 the negotiator asked Koresh if he was going to commit suicide and he replied "I'm not going to commit suicide." He also stated "if I wanted to commit suicide, I would have done it already." The negotiator asked Koresh, "Are you going to let any of your other people kill themselves or die in there?" Koresh replied "I'm not going to do that."
The night of March 1 Koresh advised that everyone would come out if a tape he recorded were played on the radio. On the morning of March 2, 1993 detailed arrangements were made for the surrender of Koresh and the other Davidians upon the playing of the tape. Koresh agreed he would be carried out on a stretcher and would go to a Bradley ambulance with three of the children, while everyone else would go to a waiting bus. Koresh was to exit first while Steve Schneider[1] was to remain in the compound to coordinate the release of the remaining members at one minute intervals. Emergency and transport vehicles were positioned.
Koresh recorded his tape and at the negotiators' request recorded a preamble affirming his promise to surrender. During the day of March 2, two elderly women, Katherine Matteson and Margaret Lawson, and four children exited the compound. Koresh was questioned about suicide and stated, "I dont think anyone's going to commit suicide."
The tape was broadcast as agreed between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. an March 2. The Davidians then advised that they were moving Koresh down the stairs on the stretcher, but that he was in pain from his gunshot wounds suffered in the February 28 shoot-out. Progress was delayed when Koresh began a prayer session. Then Schneider began to preach to the negotiators. Finally, Schneider informed the negotiators that "God had told Koresh to wait". By the evening of March 2, other Davidians had come to the phone and advised the negotiators that "God had told Koresh to wait." Koresh would not come to the phone.[2]
Meanwhile the United States Attorney's office had arrested and charged the two elderly women who had exited the compound with conspiracy to commit murder. On March 3, 1993 the Davidians heard a broadcast on CNN reporting the arrests. The FBI consolidated log reflects concern by the negotiators that if the Davidians heard of the arrest it would have a "devastating effect" on the negotiations. The FBI immediately persuaded the United States Attorney's office to drop the charges and hold the women as material witnesses instead. The compound was immediately notified of that fact.
At this time military style vehicles were visible from the compound. This was contrary to the advice of some of the negotiators and behavioral scientists, who advised that threatening activities would not be effective against Koresh and his followers and would likely draw them closer together. Steve Schneider complained that the tanks were running over the guard shacks and stated that it is "part of a program of intimidation."
Later on March 3 the negotiators were told that if Koresh were allowed to give a "bible study" then the child Mark Jones would be released. The study was given and Jones was promptly released. His brother Kevin was also released the next day and his sister Heather was released on March 5. Heather Jones would be the last child released.
Contact with Koresh over the next month and a half met with limited success. Koresh continued to use the children as a shield against FBI efforts to resolve the stand-off. Koresh threatened to fire on FBI positions and to blow up government vehicles. The bulk of Koresh's contact with FBI consisted of proselytizing the negotiators in marathon sermons of rambling exhortations. Koresh claimed to be Christ and to have knowledge of the seven seals of the apocalypse. Twelve more adults would exit the compound over the next eighteen days, but Koresh would refuse to leave claiming that his followers were free to make their own decisions whether to, remain in the compound with him. More than seventy would perish with Koresh on April 19th.
On March 5 Koresh requested a suture kit for his hand, a videotape of the released children and six gallons of milk for the children within the compound. All of these requests were granted. The Davidians began requesting that Peter Gent's body be removed. Gent had been killed in the February 28 shoot-out with the ATF and his body remained outside the compound. They also demanded a line to the media and asked that the Bradley military vehicles be removed from the These requests were denied.
On March 6, 1993 Koresh told the negotiators that if he were allowed to speak with an ATF undercover agent, then he would send Melissa Morrison, a six year old girl, out of the compound. Melissa came to the phone and said she would like to leave. Her mother gave instructions for family members to care for her. The negotiators told Koresh that the agent was not in Waco. Melissa Morrison was not released and presumably died in the April 19, 1993 fire.
On March 7 Koresh stated that if the negotiators' could "show him" the third seal of the apocalypse, then he would release some children. The negotiator attempted to discuss the seal, but Koresh stated that the negotiator had "failed" and refused to release anyone. Davidian member Wayne Martin[3] then came to the phone and demanded a line to the media so that they could find a lawyer to file a lawsuit against the government. Juliette Martinez over the telephone told the negotiators that if she came out they would separate her from her children and put her in jail. This day there were 42 separate conversations lasting eleven and a half hours.
The morning of March 8 three Davidians buried the body of Peter Gent. Later that day Waco Sheriff Jack Harwell was allowed to speak with Koresh as a negotiator. Koresh told the sheriff not to worry because they were not going to commit suicide. He asked for milk and told the sheriff that he had sent out money to pay for those necessities. Shortly after that conversation 6 gallons of milk were sent in. That night the Davidians sent out a videotape of the children in the compound. The negotiators' log shows that when the tape was reviewed there was concern that if the tape were released to the media Koresh would gain much sympathy.
On March 9 at about 2:15 a.m. power to the compound was cut off. Later that morning two public address speakers with 100 watt amplifiers were set up. Koresh stated that if the FBI did not turn the power back on, he would not communicate. Power was restored about 10:30 that morning, so that the Davidians could listen to the daily press conference. Later that afternoon the Davidians displayed a banner from the compound reading "God help us, we want the press."
The evening of March 9 the negotiators had a conversation with Judy Schneider and Rachel Koresh,[4] both of whom wanted a doctor to be sent in to treat Judy's finger, which had been wounded in the shoot-out. The negotiator refused and told Judy to come out to be treated.
The negotiator then had a conversation with Steve Schneider and told him to turn off the halogen lights pointing out to the perimeter or power would again be cut off. There was concern about the Davidians using the lights to monitor FBI movements around the perimeter. The Davidians delivered another videotape out of the compound that night.
About 2:30 in the morning on March 10 power to the compound was cut off again. It appears to have been turned back on later in the day. Some clearing of the grounds must have occurred that day as well, because that evening Schneider complained about the destruction of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Around 1:00 in the morning of March 11 Schneider told the negotiators that three people might be coming out the next day. There was conversation throughout the day about who would be coming out and what would happen to them if they came out. Also that day Schneider told the negotiators that they had heard a radio broadcast about a shooting star called the "guitar nebula," and that Koresh had taken it as a sign. The negotiators felt encouraged that this "sign" could be a face saving action allowing Koresh to surrender peacefully. At Schneider's request, the negotiators read Koresh a newspaper article about the nebula. However, Koresh said it was not the sign he was waiting for.
On the morning of March 12 Kathy Schroeder[5] left the compound, expressing a desire to be reunited with her four children who had already been released. Her reunion with her youngest child was filmed and sent back into the compound. She asked to be allowed to call back into the compound in order to give the other members some confidence in the system because they were afraid, not knowing what to expect, and she was allowed to do so. In her interview immediately after her exit Schroeder stated that God had told Koresh not to commit suicide. She also said that there were people inside who wanted to come out, but that Koresh had a "total hold" on them. She said many would come out if Koresh told them to, but he would not.
After Schroeder's exit, Steve Schneider began making many demands, including a copy of the transcript of Kiri Jewell's[6] television appearance, contact with the media, contact with attorneys and a radio personality to serve as the Davidians' press representative. After these demands the negotiators were unable to get through to the compound for five hours. During this time 6 gallons of milk were delivered into the compound. Schneider finally answered the phone, claimed that there had been mechanical difficulties, and reported that Koresh was very upset about a radio broadcast that his mother had received $75,000 for the movie rights to her story. That evening Oliver Gyarfas exited the compound. Judy Schneider was allowed to speak to a physician on the phone about her injured hand. After Schroeder and Gyarfas left the compound, the on scene commander decided that power to the compound would be turned off that night. The negotiators advised against cutting off the power that night after two people had come out and more were anticipated to come out. They argued that, it would hurt the negotiations effort and would cause them a set back at a crucial time in the negotiations. The justification for cutting the power was that it was going to be a very cold night and maximum effect would be gained in making the Davidians uncomfortable inside the compound. Also, cutting the power was designed to challenge Koresh's control of the situation and to raise the level of stress within the compound to force more departures.
Power to the compound was cut off at 11:00 the night of March 12. Koresh then told the negotiators that people had changed their minds about coming out because of the power shut off. Schneider stated that the power shut off was a "huge, huge set-back," and that he had been considering coming out himself, but had changed his mind because of it. The power remained out that night and the FBI began using the loudspeakers and shining the lights on the compound. It was determined that the negotiators would not call into the compound, but would only answer when they were called. The negotiators were not able to get through to the compound most of the time on March 13.
On March 14 Oliver Gyarfas was allowed to call into the compound. He stated that the authorities were treating him well and that he had access to the press. Kathy Schroeder also spoke to them and said she was treated well and had access to a phone, but she would not speak to the press until they all came out to tell their story. She urged Schneider to come out peacefully and told him that time was not on his side. During the night of March 14 and early morning hours of March 15 additional lights were directed toward the compound.
On March 15 at 5:45 a face-to-face meeting occurred among Waco Sheriff Jack Harwell, negotiator Byron Sage, Steve Schneider and Wayne Martin. The negotiators believed that the meeting had been productive and another face-to-face meeting was scheduled for March 17. On March 16 Schneider demanded a copy of the ATF search warrant, which was ultimately sent in on the 19th. Five audio tapes from relatives were sent in. Schneider then requested that Phil Arnold or another religious scholar be allowed to discuss the Book of Revelations with them. He suggested that if a theologian could convince the people that Koresh was wrong, maybe some 40 to 50 people would come out. The log reflects that Arnold had contacted the FBI early in the stand-off and offered to assist them. A tape of Arnold was later sent into the compound. On March 17 tapes of released members with positive comments about their release were played over the loudspeakers. Busses were brought within view of the compound. The loudspeakers addressed the Davidians telling them the busses were to transport them after their exit. FBI negotiator Byron Sage went out for the planned face-to-face meeting but no one came out.
On March 18 the FBI began bulldozing material around the compound, including a wood pile, a dump truck and some fuel tanks. Koresh came to the phone on March 19, assured the negotiators that he was not going to kill himself and asked them not to destroy any more of the Davidians' property. He stated that a "new moon" was coming and that they would be coming out, but they needed more time. Certain documents requested by the Davidians were sent in that day, including copies of news articles about the stand-off, the ATF search and arrest warrants, a copy of the firearms act, letters from their attorneys and an audio tape of theologian Phil Arnold. At 10:00 that night Brad Branch and Kevin Whitcliffe exited the compound. These two men had been mentioned as people who were leaving the compound on March 12 before the power had been turned off.
On March 19, 1993, Koresh again disavowed any intention to commit suicide.
On March 20 the FBI agreed to turn off the loudspeakers in honor of the Davidians' Sabbath. Schneider told the negotiators the afternoon of the 20th that a lot of people might be coming out. That night Koresh was allowed to speak with Branch and Whitcliffe who had left the compound and to give them a Bible study over the phone. Shortly after midnight Victorine Hollingsworth and Anetta Richard exited the compound.
The next morning, on March 21, Rita Riddle and Gladys Ottman exited the compound. Schneider requested that a female agent search women who left the compound and that request was granted. Later that afternoon Sheila Martin (wife of David Martin) and Ofelia Santoyo came out. Sheila Martin was allowed to call back in and speak with her husband. That night Judy Schneider told the negotiators to give a message to her family telling them to take care of her daughter Maynah because she will be "detained," suggesting that she was planning to come out with her daughter.
That evening the negotiators were informed that the on scene commander had decided to allow clearing of vehicles around the compound. The negotiators opposed this decision, arguing that as on March 12, it would harm the negotiations to have negative actions taken when many people had come out and there was talk of others coming out the next day. The night of March 21 and the early morning hours of March 22 the FBI cleared vehicles around the compound, played loud Tibetan chants on the loudspeakers and used the external floodlights. Schneider complained to the negotiators that the last time people came out the power was cut off and this time they were rewarded with the loud music.
On March 22 a letter from SAC Jamar and Sheriff Harwell was delivered into the compound promising the Davidians access to Koresh's teachings while they were in custody and promising them access to the media. The offer was conditioned upon the release of all Davidians by noon of March 23. Koresh reportedly threw the letter away and said he did not believe any of it. Additionally, a letter from the Christian Broadcast Network promising to air an interview with Koresh if he came out was sent in. The loudspeakers and lights were turned on again that night.
On March 22 there was also a meeting between the on scene commander and leaders of the negotiating, tactical and behavioral science elements to assess whether there was any possibility of getting a large number of people out in the near future. The negotiating team submitted a memo which stated that "there is no clear indication that a large number of individuals will depart shortly from the compound." They did state however, that "the long term prospect for a peaceful resolution remains good." They recommended escalating the "stress" within the compound, first by demanding the release of all parties by a certain time, with all vehicles around the compound being removed if the demand was not met. If that tactic did not work, then the memo recommended that non-lethal tear gas be introduced.
The morning of March 23 Livingstone Fagan exited the compound. He was the last Davidian to exit during the standoff. Schneider demanded to speak with Fagan after his release, but Fagan refused to call back into the compound. Schneider told the negotiators that if their "bosses" had not done all of the negative things, such as cutting the power, shining bright lights and playing loud music, twenty people would have been out, but now "you may have to come in and take his carcass out of here."
Over the night from March 23 to 24 Tibetan chants, Christmas music and recordings of the negotiations were played and the lights were on. On the morning of March 24 Schneider informed the negotiators that this day was a Sabbath and they would not negotiate that day. At the daily press briefing on March 24 Koresh was verbally attacked as a liar and a coward who hides behind children.
On the evening of March 24 Louis Alaniz penetrated the outer and inner perimeters and entered the compound. The negotiators asked Schneider to send him out, but Schneider refused.
On March 25 Schneider complained about ATF still being involved and called them a "renegade agency." He also complained about the FBI vehicles running over the children's motorcycles. He complained that bibles were taken from the released persons and about the "broken promise" because Livingstone Fagan did not call back in.
The negotiators began a new tactic on March 25. They demanded the release of 20 people by 4:00. No one was released by the deadline so the FBI cleared motorcycles and go-carts from the grounds. The negotiators then demanded that 10 people be released. There was a discussion of exactly who these people would be. The names Julie Martinez, Cliff Sellars, Clive Doyle, Pablo Cohen, David Thibodeau, Sherry Doyle, David Jones, Scott Sonobe and Livingstone Malcolm were discussed. The negotiators were allowed to speak directly to several members about coming out.
On March 26 the negotiator told Schneider that 10 people must come out by noon. The negotiators' log reflects that Schneider became angry and said that "These people don't care! You can kill us whatever, these people fear God (not you)." The log reflects on March 25 an interview with Lisa Gent, mother of Peter and Nicole, in which she reported that Peter may have known of plans for a mass suicide. On March 26 Dr. Bruce Perry, a psychiatrist from Baylor University who interviewed the released children, reported that he suspected the children may have heard talk about suicide from adults.
As the deadline approached, Schneider reported to the negotiator that he had talked to people but no one wanted to come out. In response the FBI cleared vehicles and trees from around the compound. The negotiators told Schneider that no one would be allowed to come outside the compound. Previously the Davidians had been allowed to come out and feed the chickens. The negotiators were unable to contact the Davidians by telephone from 5:00 the afternoon of the 26th until the next morning, when the Davidians hung a banner out reading that the "tanks broke phone line." On March 26 Jesse Amen penetrated the perimeter and entered the compound, and the negotiators' log reflects an exit interview with a Davidian in which a plan was reported for a mass suicide by explosives on March 2 when Koresh had promised to come out.
At noon on March 27 a box was delivered to the compound containing two blank video tapes,two batteries for the video camera and a letter from Bill Austin, Chaplain at Baylor, stating that Koresh had a Biblical obligation to come out peacefully. After that day's press briefing, Schneider expressed hatred of the ATF and displeasure over the ATF's continued involvement in the daily press conferences. The ATF spokesman had referred to drugs in the compound, which had outraged Schneider. It was also reported in that day's press conference that Kathy Schroeder was going to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Previously she had been held only as a material witness.
On March 27 the negotiators renewed their tactic of demanding the release of 10 people by a deadline. The deadline was not met and the FBI bulldozed the front fence. Schneider spent most of that day on the telephone with the negotiators. He told them the property damage did not matter because he was going "beyond this world." Schneider threatened that if the Davidians wanted to kill the FBI agents they could do so and said the FBI could burn the compound down or kill them. He expressed concern that if he came out he would be charged, concern about what would happen to him in jail and fear of the other inmates. He also stated that he knew Koresh would be executed if he came out. He said because Kathy Schroeder was charged with murder, he does not think anyone else will come out. However, Schneider affirmed that he was not going to commit suicide. Schneider asked if he could speak with an FBI chaplain and suggested a face-to-face meeting with his attorney, Jack Zimmerman, Sheriff Harwell and the chaplain from Baylor who had sent in the letter. Schneider told the negotiator that what would work would be to "throw a match to the building, people will have to come out." Koresh had not come to the phone for days, despite repeated requests by the negotiators. Schneider said he was sick.
On March 27, 1993 the negotiator asked Schneider if he was going to commit suicide and he said "Oh, of course not. If I did I'd be lost eternally." On March 28, 1993 Koresh told the negotiator that "if we was going to commit suicide, we'd have been dead a long time ago."
On March 28 the negotiators demanded that 10 people come out by 12:50. The deadline was not met. Koresh finally came to the telephone that afternoon and told the negotiators he knew his life would be over once he went into their hands. He said he knew he would be charged with murder when he came out. He requested six gallons of milk and they were sent in. On that day several people tried to enter the compound but were apprehended.
During the clearing operations on March 28 the adults held children up to the windows. Concern is reflected on the log that they might use the children as shields if fighting broke out. That night Koresh was allowed a privileged telephone conversation with Dick DeGuerin, the attorney his mother hired to represent him. The FBI cleared out the ATF trucks and horse trailers.
The Davidians sent out another videotape on March 28. Dr. Bruce Perry reviewed the tape and reported his opinion that the children were frightened of Koresh and that Koresh was following a deliberate plan of deception and had his own plan for ending the standoff in an apocalyptic way. Dr. Perry expressed the belief that Koresh was stalling for a final battle and wanted law enforcement to go into the compound so he could take some of them with him. This opinion is reflected in the negotiators' log on April 1.
On March 29 attorney DeGuerin was allowed to go to the front door and have a private conversation with Koresh.
On March 30 and 31 two justice department officials, Mark Richard and Jim Reynolds, traveled to Waco. They were briefed by the FBI commanders on scene and viewed the compound. They met with representatives of the U.S. Attorneys' office and the Texas Rangers. On April 1 they returned to Washington and reported to the Attorney General and Associate Attorney General Webster Hubbell on their assessment of the situation. As a result of that trip changes were made in the prosecutive team to improve coordination among the investigative agencies and the prosecutors. on April 2 Ray Jahn, a senior Assistant U.S. Attorney in San Antonio, was designated to head the prosecutive team.
On March 30 and 31 attorney DeGuerin was allowed to go into the compound. On April 1 DeGuerin was allowed to go in with attorney Jack Zimmerman, who was hired by Schneider's family. When the attorneys were debriefed on April 1 they reported that Koresh said he would come out after Passover. They said that they advised the members not to speak with law enforcement. There were few conversations between the negotiators and the Davidians during this period. The Davidians refused to allow the attorneys to come in on April 3 because of their Sabbath, but the attorneys went in again on April 4. The attorneys reported after that meeting that they still had no date for Koresh's Passover, but that a plan had been discussed in which Koresh would come out first, followed by the women and children and Schneider would come out last. On April 4 Jesse Amen, an individual who had sneaked in during the stand-off, exited the compound.
On April 6 Schneider informed the negotiators that Passover started at sundown that day and would last 7 days. He later complained of the loudspeakers being on during Passover. Several individuals came out of the compound and into the courtyard several times over the next few days and were "flash-banged" by the FBI.[7]
On April 7 Mark Richard and Jim Reynolds from the Justice Department returned to Waco and held a meeting of the leadership of all of the agencies involved in the Branch Davidian matter, including the FBI, the ATF, the Texas Rangers, the U.S. Attorney's office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. They returned from their trip on April 9 and reported to the Attorney General that the FBI had raised the possibility of utilizing tear gas to resolve the standoff at the compound.
On April 9 Schneider was allowed to go out of the compound to light 7 canisters of incense for religious reasons. When he came out he dropped off a letter from Koresh. There was little phone contact over these days, but Schneider did complain that the Bradleys were running over Peter Gent's grave, that the agents were "flipping the finger" at them and that people were being flashbanged.
On April 10 concertina wire was installed around the compound. Schneider informed the negotiators that they never gave the attorneys a specific time when they would come out. He brought a second letter from Koresh out of the compound. On April 12 Schneider requested a copy of a book about the "Koreshians" that he heard about from the negotiators.
On April 12 Department attorneys Jack Keeney, Mark Richard and Jim Reynolds, all managing attorneys in the Criminal Division, received a general briefing from FBI officials of the proposed plan to introduce CS gas into the compound if the Davidians did not come out by the end of Passover. Later that same day a briefing was held at the FBI Command Center for the Attorney General and the Associate Attorney General on the proposed plan. The plan was presented not as an all out assault, but as a tactic whereby gas would be inserted in stages, initially into only one small area of the compound. The goal was to allow exit through uncontaminated portions of the compound. The Attorney General requested that she be provided with more information on the effects of CS gas on pregnant women and children, a military second opinion on the plan and information on whether it would be possible to cut off the water supply to the compound.
On April 13 Koresh refused to speak with attorney DeGuerin, but Schneider spoke with him for a while. Schneider advised that this was the last day of Passover. Koresh agreed to speak with the attorneys on the phone on April 14 and at that time advised them that he only intended to leave the compound when he finished a manuscript on the Seven Seals referred to in the Book of Revelations. Koresh estimated it would take him 14 days. Koresh came on the phone unexpectedly at midday and preached to the negotiators for five hours nonstop. Several banners were displayed that day reading "Read Proverbs 1,2,3,4. We Come to Love, Not War", "Let's Have A Beer When This Is Over", "My Name Is Vega I'm From Hawaii", "Media and FBI Don't Know the Truth. You You Can't Accept the Truth. We Can Still Have a Few Beers Together", "I'm an American, I Love America, But BATF Killed My Family and Friends."
On April 14 another meeting was held in the FBI Director's office in which the Attorney General and Associate Attorney General were briefed on military and medical aspects of the proposed plan. United States military commanders were present and evaluated the plan from a military perspective. They reported that rather than a stop and start insertion of the gas, they would go in full force and gas the whole compound at once. They also reported their opinion that the HRT had to be pulled out soon because they had been on full alert too long. A medical doctor reported to the Attorney General on studies of the effects of CS gas on children, pregnant women and the elderly. The Attorney General directed that a detailed statement of the plan with supporting documentation be put together. on April 16 Schneider reported that Koresh was writing the second seal, but that Schneider had not edited the first seal yet. On April 17 Louis Alaniz, one of the persons who had entered during the stand-off, exited the compound.
On the afternoon of Saturday, April 17 the Attorney General gave final approval to the plan to gas the compound on Monday, April 19, 1993. She advised the President of her decision on Sunday, April 18.
On April 18 the remaining vehicles were cleared from in front of the compound, including Koresh's prized automobile. Koresh became very upset about his car. Milk was delivered into the compound on the 18th along with typewriter equipment.
At approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 19 the gassing operation began. Negotiator Byron Sage telephoned the compound and notified Steve Schneider that the FBI would be inserting tear gas, but that it was not a lethal assault and they should all come out peacefully. Schneider responded by ripping out the phone and throwing it out the door. Sage continued to announce over the loudspeaker that this was not a lethal assault and to instruct the people on how to exit and receive medical care. The Davidians fired on the vehicles as they approached the compound.
At noon, fire erupted from three separate areas of the compound. The fire spread quickly, but the openings in the building appeared to provide a means of escape. Only nine Davidians survived the fire. They were Renos Avraam, Jamie Castillo, Graeme Craddock, Clive Doyle, Misty Ferguson, Derek Lovelock, Ruth Ottman Riddle, David Thibodeau and Marjorie Thomas.
A total of 35 people left the compound during the stand-off. Twenty-one children were released from the compound beginning on February 28, 1993, but no children were released after March 5, 1993. Thus, all of the children were released in the first 6 days of the 51-day stand-off. A total of 14 adults exited the compound during the standoff. Two adults entered the compound during the stand-off. Both exited before April 19. No Davidian members exited the compound after March 23, 1993 until April 19.
After the fire an independent arson investigation determined that the fire had been started deliberately by persons inside the compound. The medical examiner found the remains of seventy five individuals in the debris. Thirteen adult bodies had fatal gunshot wounds. Most of these wounds were gunshot wounds to the head. Several adults died of gunshot wounds to the chest and face. Two adults were fatally shot in the back. Three young children were shot to death and one three year old boy was fatally stabbed in the chest. Two other minors suffered fatal blows to the head. Koresh died of a gunshot to the mid-forehead. Schneider died of a gunshot wound of the mouth. The bodies of Koresh and Schneider were found in the communication room of the compound.
Footnotes edit
- ↑ Schneider, who had a degree in religion from the University of Hawaii and taught religion at that school, was Koresh's main spokesman and talked extensively with the negotiators.
- ↑ Immediately after the tape was broadcast, the consolidated log shows that a former cult member called and advised that Koresh had put a message of his own impending death in the tape by reference to the "eagle and the carcass." A Davidian who left the compound in mid-March reported that the March 2 surrender plan was actually a plan for mass suicide. He stated that Koresh had planned to blow himself up in front of the FBI. The remaining persons in the compound were going to use explosives to commit suicide before they could be apprehended by the FBI. The Davidian reported that the plan was not carried out because "God told Koresh to wait."
- ↑ Martin, a Harvard Law School graduate, had joined Koresh with his whole family. His wife and three youngest children exited the compound during the stand-off, but Martin remained inside with his two oldest daughters (ages 13 and 15).
- ↑ According to written accounts of former Branch Davidians, Rachel Koresh was David Koresh's first wife and the mother of three of his children. They were married in 1984 when she was 14 years old. Her father, Perry Jones, was killed in the February 28 shoot-out. Judy Schneider was the legal wife of Steve Schneider, but she had been taken by David Koresh as one of his wives and was the mother of one of his children.
- ↑ Kathy Schroeder was formerly a member of the United States Air Force. Her husband Mike was killed on February 28. Schroeder was featured extensively on the videotapes made by Koresh,where she appeared quite militant and supportive of the Davidians' actions. Schroeder exited the compound during the stand-off along with her four young children. She has pled guilty to armed resistance in federal court.
- ↑ In a 1992 lawsuit, Kiri Jewell's father gained her custody from Kiri's mother, who lived with Kiri in the compound. Custody was granted based largely upon the evidence of conditions at Mount Carmel.
- ↑ A "flash-bang" is a diversionary device that emits smoke and makes a loud noise in order to stun and confuse the subject at whom it is thrown.