Waco texas david koresh cult

In , FBI officials and other law enforcement agents became locked in a day standoff with the Branch Davidians , a religious sect living on a acre farm and compound near Waco, Texas, led by self-proclaimed prophet David Koresh. Koresh born Vernon Wayne Howell was originally a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, whose members lived simply and anticipated the return of Christ.

But Koresh pursued a romantic relationship with a church leader's year-old daughter, and church leaders were generally concerned about the way Koresh's charisma drew younger members to him. Before long, church leaders expelled him. Koresh eventually gathered seven camouflaged and heavily armed followers and headed to the Branch Davidians' Mount Carmel complex in Waco.

Gunfire broke out, George Roden was shot, and Koresh and his followers were tried for attempted murder. But a mistrial was declared, and they all went free.

Waco texas david koresh cult: The siege by US federal

Koresh ultimately took over the Branch Davidians, claiming that God had chosen him to usher in the end of the world. Then he remade the sect. He told his followers that they were God's chosen people and needed to isolate themselves from the outside world and its sins. Koresh's male followers were expected to practice celibacy.