Preventable Catastrophe in Law Enforcement: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Siege Against the Branch Davidians and David Koresh
From February 28th to April 19th 1993, an event took place known as the Waco Siege. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to conduct a Siege and investigation into the religious cult known as the Branch Davidians and their fanatic leader David Koresh. This Siege ended with the death of four ATF Agents, Steve Willis, Robert Williams, Todd McKeehan, and Conway Charles LeBleu, and 76 Branch Davidians, 20 of which were children, 2 pregnant women, and their leader David Koresh. This event is often referred to as one of the biggest failures in recent law enforcement history, and rightfully so. However, I argue that the ATF did use Reasonable Force against the Branch Davidians on the basis of the Branch Davidians beliefs and illegal activity, the the information the ATF had on David Koresh and the Branch Davidian, and, Legal Aftermath of the Siege.
HIST 499, Senior Capstone
Melisa Ortiz Berry
P103
1 – 4 PM