Branch Davidian siege, also known as the Waco siege, was a standoff between law enforcement agencies and the Branch Davidian religious cult in Waco, Texas, in 1993. The siege lasted for 51 days, from February 28 to April 19. It ended with a controversial raid on the Branch Davidian compound—known as Mount Carmel Ranch—that resulted in the deaths of 86 people. 
The compound was occupied by a group of Branch Davidians, a doomsday cult with roots in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The cult was founded in 1955 by the American religious leader Ben Roden. At the time of the siege, it was being led by 33-year-old David Koresh. Koresh had overseen the group since 1987. He claimed to be divinely appointed to lead the Branch Davidians through the days of God’s judgment as described in the Bible. Koresh exerted control over his followers and abused women and children. Under his leadership, the Branch Davidians also began stockpiling firearms in preparation for the end of the world.
The siege began when agents from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) moved to execute a search warrant at the compound. The ATF was officially investigating charges that the Branch Davidians were illegally modifying guns and possessing explosives. The ATF approached the Mount Carmel compound with dozens of heavily armed agents. The Branch Davidians fired on the agents, killing four in the ensuing gunfight. Koresh suffered minor injuries, and six cult members were killed.
After the shootout, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrived to assist the ATF with the siege. In the weeks that followed, federal agents cut off electrical service to the Mount Carmel compound. They deprived the cult members of sleep by broadcasting irritating noises over loudspeakers. During this time, around 35 Branch Davidians—adults and children—were allowed to leave the compound. The rest either chose to remain or were unable to leave. By April 19, the decision had been made to end the siege by force. FBI agents stormed the compound. This time, they used tanks to demolish walls and tear gas to smoke out cult members. Shortly after the offensive began, a massive fire broke out and tore through Mount Carmel Ranch.
Koresh and 75 other Branch Davidians, including 25 children, died during the raid. Some people died from gunshot wounds. Others died in the fire that destroyed the compound. Still others were crushed as the burning compound collapsed. Nine cult members escaped the compound and were taken into custody.
It is likely that some or all of the deaths occurred as part of a murder-suicide plan. Most experts agree that the gunshot victims either shot themselves or were shot by other Branch Davidians. There is less agreement on how the fire started. Some observers speculate that the tanks knocked over kerosene lamps or that tear gas caught fire. Others suspect that the Branch Davidians deliberately set fire to their compound.
The federal agencies involved in the siege and raids came under intense public scrutiny for excessive use of force. Elected officials and other observers criticized the ATF for opting not to arrest Koresh during one of his trips outside the compound. The raid also became a rallying call among radical groups opposed to federal authority. Two years later, for example, the American terrorist Timothy McVeigh bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in part claiming an act of revenge for the Branch Davidian raid.
