Freeper archy "……On 19 April 1989, 47 sailors aboard the U.S.S. Iowa, BB61, died as a fireball from a powder charge explosion burned away the lives of those inside that structure. In the aftermath, federal naval investigators, with help from the FBI, tried to *pin the blame* for the blast on one of the dead sailors, unable to defend himself. Though Navy regulations required a 3-officer board of inquiry when a *significant incident* or one that could cause further injury if repeated, a single officer instead conducted the safey review. Having been the officer in charge of refurbishment of the Iowa's ammunition while commanding the Naval Weapons support Center at Crane, Indiana where the powder bags had been refurbished, inspected and repacked, Captain Joseph Micelli not surprisingly found that the ammunition prepeared under his supervision was flawless, and that one of the dead sailors murdered his crewmates in a fit of jealousy over a failed homosexual affair. The lie was caught, and the slandered sailor's reputation restored, but neither he nor his shipmates have yet been brought back to life....." and Freeper aristeides adds "…..On the Iowa, do please remember, A-G, Marie Louise Hagen's dubious role in the suit by Clayton Hartwig's family. She is married to a naval officer -- she really should know better….."

Archy: 60 Minutes contacts BATF about sexual harassment; BATF was already under scrutiny for racism, fraud, mismanagement; Congress was considering eliminating the BATF or turning their activities over to FBI or Secret Service;

Fas.org "….By December 1992 (almost 3 months before the raid), ATF agents were requesting Close Quarters Combat/Close Quarters Battle \189\ (CQB) training by U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers for ATF agents…… Somewhat surprisingly, neither the documents from the Treasury investigation, nor the Treasury Report, itself, never refer to this request...."

The Dallas Morning News 9/13/99 Lee Hancock "….The biggest case of Johnston's career began when federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents came to him with an investigation of weapons violations at the Branch Davidian compound. The ATF had evidence that David Koresh was stockpiling an illegal arsenal. Johnston said the ATF initially discussed capturing Koresh outside his compound and then searching inside. Inexplicably, he said, plans shifted in December to a big paramilitary raid. … He helped draft the search warrant that became the basis of the raid. ….. Immediately, Johnston recruited the Texas Rangers to help investigate what had gone wrong and who in the sect would be prosecuted for the agents' deaths. He sent his first letter to Reno after the Rangers said their efforts were frustrated by FBI commanders. ….….

Ft. Worth Star-Telegram 9/12/99 Jennifer Autrey "….Some evidence suggests that the ATF created a ruse about the possibility of illegal drug manufacturing at Mount Carmel to obtain free military assistance for its Feb. 28, 1993, raid, which left four ATF agents dead and more than 20 wounded. As early as November 1992, ATF agents were discussing the need for military support with Walker, the agency's Defense Department liaison, according to Treasury Department documents. The ATF is part of the Treasury Department. But there was a problem. In a meeting with the ATF on Dec. 4, 1992, Walker informed the agency that it would have to pay the military for the use of its equipment because the military could waive the charges only in anti-drug operations. At the meeting, Walker jotted a handwritten note that said: "There was no known drug nexus," according to the Treasury Department documents….. That military personnel can play a greater role assisting civilian law enforcement in drug investigations is a significant exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, passed as part of the 1990 Department of Defense Authorization Act to help fight illegal drug importation…..Before the end of December 1992, the ATF was investigating "suspicion of drug activity" at the Branch Davidian compound, according to the Treasury Department report……"

The Dallas Morning News Scott Parks 9/26/99 "..... ATF began looking for a drug connection on Dec. 14, 1992, according to GAO investigators.........."

Fas.org "…….Three days after their meeting with ATF, the Texas counterdrug representatives received a facsimile of a letter dated December 14, 1992, on ``Houston SAC letterhead'' from the RAC of the Austin ATF office, Earl K. Dunagan, requesting military assistance from the Texas Counterdrug Program.\202\ …….. Lt. Col. Pettit told National Guard investigators that he provided his approval because the request required another person's approval as well.\205\ However this decision, in itself, raises several unanswered questions……"

Ft. Worth Star-Telegram 9/12/99 Jennifer Autrey "….That addition to the points of investigation apparently was based on a Dec. 16, 1992, facsimile from Marc Breault in Australia, who suggested that a methamphetamine lab had once been seen on Branch Davidian premises. …… However, the initial application for a warrant to search the compound included nothing about suspected drug violations. After agents failed to serve the warrant on Feb. 28, 1993, the day of the aborted first assault, they applied for another warrant and expanded its scope. That warrant also made no mention of drugs…..….The congressional report states that the Feb. 28 raid should have been conducted differently if there was a real concern about the prospect of a clandestine methamphetamine lab on the premises. …."

Fas.org "……Two days after Lt. Col. Pettit's approval, Special Agent Aguilera informed Lt. Col. Walker on December 16, 1992, that he received a facsimile from Mark Breault in Australia suggesting the existence of a methamphetamine lab at the Branch Davidian residence.\206\ Mr. Breault was a former Branch Davidian who left the group on bad terms, and exhibited strong personal animosity toward Koresh and several of the Davidians...."

The Daily Republican 9/8/99 Howard Hobbs "…Federal records now have established that a U.S. Army military unit known by its cover name as Joint Task Force 6 was under the operational control of US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the United States Atlantic Command (USACOM). ….According to reliable sources in the Pentagon, requests for military support of law enforcement agencies would flow into JTF 6, be vetted by its staff as having the appropriate drug nexus, and be approved with deployment orders transmitted by the Joint Chief of Staff. Secretary of Defense delegated authority through CINC-USACOM and USAFORSCOM to approve missions within these parameters. Major projects included surveillance and reporting, and the use of aviation assets to ferry law enforcement officers. Soldiers detailed to JTF 6 were attached to that organization from their parent unit for specified periods of time; thus a Special Forces Operational Detachment with supporting aviation was part of a Rapid Reaction Support Unit assigned to JTF 6 in early 1993 for a six month period. During this same period a request came into Operation Alliance for military assets to support a BATF operation against what was being designated then as "a methamphetamine laboratory located on the outskirts of Waco."…"

ABCnews.com 9/3/99 Barbara Starr "…In the autumn 1997 issue of the Army War College Quarterly, retired Army Col. Thomas Lujan wrote that in early 1993, the military received an ATF request for help against a methamphetamine laboratory located on the outskirts of Waco, Texas - the Branch Davidian compound. "The request detailed the needs of the BATF: military training in the specific areas of medical treatment, communications procedures, operational plan development, review, and approval, and 'room clearing discriminate fire operations,' termed 'close quarter combat' by the military," says Lujan, a former top military lawyer at U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fla. More importantly, he writes, the ATF requested that Army medics and communicators actually accompany them to the forward staging base if not on the actual mission. "Clearly the request was more expansive than those normally received," he wrote. The original request was approved by the military's Joint Task Force 6, which oversees counter-drug support along the southern U.S. border, and a special operations unit of the Army was temporarily assigned to JTF-6. ….…But the Army came dangerously close to illegal involvement, Lujan contends. He says the ATF failed to make an acceptable case for military support from JTF-6 because it cited alleged drug activity from 1987 to justify action in 1993.... …"

Star-Telegram Staff Writer 9/13/99 Gabrielle Crist "….Agents were authorized to use deadly force on April 19, according to a 1993 internal FBI document detailing an investigative interview with agent Richard Rogers, an FBI supervisor.."

On Gordon Novel - Public Action, Inc. 12/30/99 Carol Valentine "….This "close friend" -- according to Novel, Mike Hall, the man who conducted the siege of the Covenant of the Sword and the Lord in 1985 -- told Novel the Mt. Carmel raid would not succeed. Novel then called General O'Graham. Remember, according to Novel, O'Graham was at the time the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and on the Board of Directors of Novel's security company. "Danny, what is going on?" Novel asked. "He says: 'I don't know.' He says, 'but whatever it is,' he says, 'it's national security.'" Later in the interview, Novel says: "I am very pro CIA and I can tell you that there are some good guys that still work for the FBI but not a lot of them." ….."

New York Times 9/5/99 Philip Shenon "…The Pentagon's elite Special Operations Command sent observers to the siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Texas more than a month before the final assault on the compound, suggesting that military commandos had a far longer and closer involvement in the disastrous 1993 operation than previously divulged, according to declassified Government documents. The documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act also show for the first time that officials at the highest levels of the Defense Department, including Secretary of Defense Les Aspin and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were briefed by the Special Operations Command about the events near Waco. The command, which is based at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, oversees the military's most secretive commando squads, including the Army's Delta Force and the Navy Seals, and the documents suggest that the command was monitoring the situation virtually from the start of the 51-day siege. ….."

The Dallas Morning News Scott Parks 9/26/99 "........ Military records also indicate that the ATF believed the raid might lead to "a long-term siege." A month before the raid, ATF requested a list of "on-call" equipment it might need from the military. The list included seven armored Bradley fighting vehicles. Soldiers could not drive them during the raid without violating federal law, but could train ATF agents to drive them. The list also included 100 gas masks, 500 sandbags, 90 sleeping bags, 15 night vision goggles, a water tank truck. Ten tents, including one for "VIP sleeping" and one for "VIP meeting," were requested along with electric generators and smoke generators "to cover two square kilometers with concealment smoke."..... ....Records show FBI requests for military assistance throughout the 51-day siege: the loan of M-1 Abrams tanks, helicopters and big combat engineering vehicles. Military authorities required federal agents to "obscure" U.S. Army markings on any tank, armored vehicle or aircraft "used in an assault role" at Waco, according to records. The FBI also requested and received training in the use of 40 mm grenade launchers, according to the records. Other records suggest the Branch Davidian siege became a real-time laboratory to study Military Operations on Urban Terrain, or MOUT in Army parlance. Records show that at least one commando from the elite British Strategic Air Service, the model for Delta Force, came to Waco as an observer. ..."

Bill Buford began assisting a dormant investigation into the Branch Davidians in Waco

WorldNet Daily 9/3/99 Joseph Farah "…One of the original witnesses against the Branch Davidians was Bill Buford, the agent in charge of the Little Rock, Ark., branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Buford was, also, according to Arkansas sources, a friend of Bill. The Waco case was apparently very important to Buford as an affidavit states he was working on New Year's Day calling former Branch Davidians seeking to find evidence of sexual abuse. My friend and colleague, Andy Beal, who first explored the Little Rock connection to Waco, asks a good question: What was the resident agent in charge of the Little Rock office of the BATF doing investigating a sex abuse case in Texas? Is sex abuse BATF's jurisdiction? Is Texas under the jurisdiction of the BATF's Arkansas office? Documents show Buford is noted as one of two "senior raid planners." He was also one of the BATF agents wounded during the Feb. 28 assault, but he is perhaps the only BATF agent to be visited in the hospital by none other than top Treasury Department official Roger Altman. …Foster, Hubbell, Altman and Buford were all in Little Rock leading up to the inauguration. Clinton takes power Jan. 20, 1993. ….."

On February 2, 1993, Operation Alliance made a request to the Commanding General of JTF-6 for the use of Special Forces personnel assigned to his organization.\221\ Lt. Col. Philip W. Lindley,\222\ the U.S. Army Special Forces Command Staff Judge Advocate, was notified of this request and advised JTF-6....Within days, the training mission by Special Forces soldiers was revised to include only coordination on Army ranges and teaching ATF how to develop an operations order.\226\...

Fas.org "……For the February 28 raid, the Texas National Guard supplied three helicopters and 10 counterdrug personnel. When ATF requested National Guard assistance, their stated mission to the National Guard was to use the helicopters as a command and control platform during the raid, and to transport personnel and evidence after the area was secured.\235\ Only when the National Guard team arrived at Fort Hood for the pre-raid training, less than 24 hours before the raid, did ATF agents inform the National Guard personnel that the helicopters would be used as an aerial diversion during the raid itself. ATF had even assigned one of the National Guard counterdrug soldiers to hang from a monkey sling outside the helicopter to film the raid.\236\ ….."

NewsMax.com 3/22/00 Stephan Archer "…… Before the Feb. 28 raid, the BATF had come to suspect that David Koresh, the Davidians' leader, had violated Chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code, which requires that certain firearms be registered and taxed. After refusing an invitation from Koresh to discuss his firearm purchases and obtaining a search warrant, 75 BATF agents stormed the Mount Carmel premises armed with pistols, shotguns, and submachine guns and air support by helicopters. ….."

American Partisan 11/8/99 Diane Alden "……. "Yet James Wood, a professor of religion at Baylor University and resident of Waco since 1955, said that before February he hadn't heard of them referred to as a "cult." The librarian at the Waco Tribune-Herald confirmed that until their seven-part series on the Branch Davidians -- the first installment of which began one day before the initial assault on February 28, 1993 -- the Tribune-Herald referred to them as a "religious group," not a "cult". Child protective services had looked into allegations of abuse and found none. One by one the rest of the reasons given for the final governmental assault on the Mt. Carmel compound evaporated like fog in early morning…….."

Associated Press 2/27/93 "…A group of about 75 Branch Davidians, an offshoot of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that moved its base here from Los Angeles in 1935, is known to have a large arsenal of high-powered weapons, the Waco Tribune-Herald said. An Australian private detective who has investigated the group for 2 years alleged that its latest leader, Vernon Howell, abuses the children of his followers, boasts of having sex with underage members, claims at least 15 wives and believes all women in the world belong to him……. ….The newspaper said the group has military-type assault weapons one unidentified former cult member said it has .50-caliber weapons, AK-47s, AR-15s, Israeli assault rifles and 9mm handguns…."

Ross & Green Washington DC 7/93 "…On February 27, 1993, the day before the initial ATF assault on Mt. Carmel, the Waco Tribune-Herald began a seven-part series on the Branch Davidians entitled "The Sinful Messiah." According to its authors, Mark England and Darlene McCormick, the piece was the result of an eight- month investigation and interviews with "more than ten" former members of the group. At least some of these sources were supplied by CAN. English and McCormick quote a man "deprogrammed" by Ross "who had been with Howell [Koresh] for at least five years"--most likely David Block. The fourth installment in the series, published the day after the shootout, included a sidebar entitled "Experts: Branch Davidians dangerous, destructive cult."….."

The day after the February 28 raid, then-Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman visited the injured Buford in a Texas hospital. Congress never asked about this visit or whether Clinton or his staff had any foreknowledge of the raid. ......"

At the time of his flight out to Waco to visit his injured friend, Bill Buford, Altman was the second highest ranking official at the Department of the Treasury

WorldNetDaily 1/13/2000 David Bresnahan Freeper aristeides "….Also from the full article: In March 1993, there was a secret meeting at CIA headquarters dealing with CAG participation in the WACO operation, according to Gene Cullen, senior case officer, Special Operations Group of the CIA. Cullen was present at the meeting and was interviewed in the Waco documentary…….McNulty obtained previously classified documents, which are shown in the documentary. Those documents clearly indicate that CAG was authorized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to assist in the Waco operation….."

The Dallas Morning News 10/8/99 Lee Hancock David Jackson "........... One undated document stated an Army general with an extensive special operations background had been given special permission to go to Waco despite questions about the military's authority to send him. U.S. military special operations lawyers had previously ordered special forces soldiers not to go to Waco even to watch the botched Feb. 28, 1993, raid that began the standoff......``No auth. for Gen. Shoomaker to go. Has been approved, but approved by SEC DEF,'' the note on stationery from an FBI commander in Waco. ``SEC DEF'' is an abbreviation for the secretary of defense, then Les Aspin. The general, Peter J. Schoomaker, had once headed the Army's secret anti-terrorist unit Delta Force and now is at U.S. Special Forces Command at Macdill Air Force Base in Florida. He was one of two senior military special operations officers who visited Waco during the standoff and then attended FBI briefings with the attorney general before she approved the final tear gas plan....."

EmergencyNet News Service 2/28/93 Updated 3/3/96 "….Monday (Mar. 1st), the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent it's elite Hostage Rescue Team from Washington, DC, where it had been participating in the Investigation of the World Trade Center bombing. Because of the nature of the crimes associated with murdering a federal agent on Sunday, the FBI is said to have assumed over-all control of the investigation and negotiations at the compound…..... "

Wall Street Journal 8/2/95 James Bovard "….Within 36 hours after the Feb. 28, 1993, initial assault on the Branch Davidian compound, the federal government abandoned routine law enforcement to avoid gathering evidence that might embarrass the government. A Sept. 17, 1993, Treasury Department confidential memo to Assistant Treasury Secretary Ronald Noble stated that on March 1, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms initiated a shooting review and "immediately determined that these stories [of agents involved] did not add up." Justice Department attorney Bill Johnston "at this point advised [ATF supervisor Dan] Hartnett to stop the ATF shooting review because ATF was creating" exculpatory material that might undermine the government prosecution of the Davidians. …."

3/1/93 Transcript of interview with Koresh "…[Morning Edition theme song] BURNETT: Sounding tired and in pain, Koresh said he and others in his group had been wounded, but he would not allow a doctor in or allow his wounded to be taken out.
Mr. KORESH: There was two wounded, one dead, and the two wounded are up and around again. One received a flesh wound to the leg, and one to the hand- I mean, to the wrist.
RADIO HOST: Are you the most seriously wounded of the people?
Mr. KORESH: So far.
RADIO HOST: Who was- who died?
Mr. KORESH: Two girls. Babies. My girls. I have a lot of children, I have a lot of wives. …."

In a meeting held at Treasury at 9:30 a.m. EST, Ronald K. Noble, the Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Law Enforcement (designee), and Steve Higgins, the Director of the ATF, made the official decision to turn over the scene to the FBI. This decision was immediately relayed to the FBI in Waco, so that by 10:00 a.m. -- or 1 ½ hours later -- operational control had been effectively passed from the ATF SAC to the FBI SAC. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Acting Attorney General Stuart Gerson was given an update on the situation by an FBI supervisor at 7:30 a.m. eastern time. The Acting Attorney General then contacted President Clinton to give him an update, since the White House had expressed an interest in staying informed. The President told the Acting Attorney General that he understood the FBI's policy in such situations was to negotiate until the situation was resolved. The President also asked to be advised should there be any change in the strategy from a negotiated resolution to a tactical resolution. The Acting Attorney General relayed the President's instructions to Director Sessions shortly after 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time…….. In a telephone conversation at 10:50 a.m., Assistant FBI Director Potts and SAC Jamar discussed the instructions from the President, and decided upon the rules of engagement that would govern the FBI's actions. It was decided that the FBI should avoid any exchange of gunfire with those in the compound, if at all possible. only if there was a threat of imminent bodily harm or death would the FBI return fire. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

By 1:30 p.m., all telephone lines in the compound except for two were cut off. Those two lines could only dial out to the negotiators. By 4:45 p.m., the FBI command post was fully operational, negotiations were being handled by a highly trained team of agents, and FBI agents with armored vehicles were deploying to take over control of the compound's perimeter. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

During the course of the day, ten children were sent out of the compound. The names of these children and their ages are as follow:

Tamara Wende 5
Landon Wende 4
Jaunessa Wende 8
Patteon Wende 5 months
Scott Mabb 11
Christyn Mabb 7
Jacob Mabb 9
Bryan Schroeder 3
Jamie Martin10
Joshua Silvia 7

Koresh complained bitterly when he realized that his telephone lines had been restricted, permitting him to dial out only to the negotiators. At 5:52 p.m., Koresh warned that if the telephone lines were not immediately reopened, the government would be responsible for the deaths of the children. Koresh also threatened a fight if this was not done…. After many angry threats, and after repeated efforts of the negotiators to calm him down, Koresh finally calmed down and agreed to resume sending children out. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 8:27 p.m., Brian Schroeder and Jacob Mabb came out of the compound. At 11:05 p.m., Jaime Martin and Joshua Silvia came out.. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

During the conversations on March 1, Koresh stated on at least two occasions that suicide was not being contemplated by those inside the compound, and that he and the sect members needed to stay alive to deliver his (Koresh's) message to the world. As part of delivering his message, Koresh agreed that if a taped message of his was played nationwide, everyone, including Koresh himself, would come out. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

New York Times 9/5/99 Philip Shenon "…In a report to the Joint Chiefs and the F.B.I. in Washington that was dated March 2, 1993, commanders of the Special Operations Command said they had carried out "observation of operations in Waco, Tex." ….. The report is stamped "secret specat," or special category, which would have limited its distribution to a select group of Government officials with security clearances. The identity of the monitors sent to Texas and their ranks were not revealed…… …."

March 2 was the day that many law enforcement officials believed the standoff would end. The United States Attorney's Office established procedures for processing the large number of individuals who were expected to exit the compound ……. The agreed-upon plan was that David Koresh would prepare an audiotape lasting approximately one hour. In this tape, Koresh preached about his special knowledge of the Bible, and his interpretation of the passages relating to the Seven Seals and the end of the world according to the Book of Revelations. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

FBI negotiators remained in contact with Koresh and others inside the compound all night. At 1:12 a.m., Koresh re-confirmed the agreement and offered to send out two more children as a show of good faith. At 1:20 a.m. Natalie Nobrega, age 11, and Joan Vaega, age 7, came out of the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 1:40 a.m.1 both radio station KRLD and CBN agreed to broadcast the tape. CBN agreed to broadcast the tape on the "America Talks" show, hosted by Craig Smith, which aired between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Between approximately 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Koresh made the audiotape. At 7:58 a.m., Steve Schneider called the negotiators to inform them that the tape was ready, and said that two adults and two children would come out with the tape. At 8:10 a.m. Margaret Lawson, age 75, Catherine Matteson, age 77, Daniel Martin, age 6, and Kimberly Martin, age 7, all came out. Catherine Matteson was carrying the audiotape and turned it over to the FBI. Between 8:15 a.m. and 8:23 a.m., usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Meanwhile, at 1:30 p.m., the tape began to be broadcast over the radio. Between 1:30 p.m. and 2:47 p.m.., the negotiators worked out the logistics for the pending surrender with both Schneider and Koresh. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

By 3:00 p.m., vehicles were in place to handle the movement of the people coming out, laboratory personnel were standing by to process the crime scene, and no additional problems were anticipated. Between 3:00 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., several individuals, including Koresh and Schneider,.spoke to the negotiators advising them that surrender was imminent and that people were in the process of saying goodbye to Koresh and to each other. At 4:47 p.m., the FBI was advised by an individual in the compound that Koresh was preaching to the group and leading them in prayer. ……Schneider relayed this demand to Koresh, and at 5:58 p.m., he informed the negotiators that Koresh had said to tell them that God had spoken to him and had told him to wait. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

According to one individual who left the compound during the standoff, there was never any plan to surrender on March 2. Instead, a number of individuals were to come outside with Koresh, who would be on the stretcher. After exiting, they would blow themselves up with some type of explosive device. Afterwards, all the remaining people inside would either be killed or would kill themselves. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 7:30 a.m., pursuant to a federal search warrant, authorities searched the "Mag Bag." usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In an early morning news broadcast, CNN reported that the two elderly women released the day before were to be charged with attempted murder. This news broadcast was seen by those in the compound and caused a great deal of mistrust and apprehension…… The story was true. A decision had been made by the U.S. Attorney's office, after consultation with at least one FBI supervisor, that the two women would be charged with attempted murder, and that the district court would be requested to hold the women in jail without bail. The FBI contacted the U.S. Attorney and convinced him that such a move would be detrimental to negotiations. Thereafter, the two women were held only as material witnesses. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In a conversation with negotiators beginning at 2:45 p.m., Koresh agreed to send Mark Anthony Jones, age 12, out of the compound as soon as Koresh completed his "Bible study" with the negotiators. Koresh launched into his monologue at 2:48 p.m., and continued without interruption until 3:51 p.m. ….. As always, the focus was on "unlocking" the Seven Seals and interpreting God's intentions about the end of the world. At the end of the "Bible study," at 4:26 p.m., the child came out of the compound with a bag containing the puppies. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In the final conversation of the evening Koresh "preached" from 9:40 p.m. until 1:40 a.m. During this monologue, Koresh expressed his great anger at the movement of the armored vehicles around the compound, and told the negotiator that the FBI would have to "bear the responsibility for the loss of innocent lives" and would have to "look at some of the pictures of the little ones that ended up perishing" because of its actions. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

When Koresh finished preaching at 1:40 a.m., he told the negotiator to call back between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Koresh said he would send Kevin Jones, age 11, out of the compound. Meanwhile, at 1:25 a.m., Wayne Martin, an attorney inside the compound, called the negotiators on the second telephone line. Martin was very angry and militant. He stated that America's political system was in decay and in conflict with God's law, and that Koresh had been chosen by God as "the Lamb" to rule over his kingdom on earth. Martin claimed that America and the world were witnessing the birth of a new nation founded on the Seven Seals. …… At 7:25 a.m., Kevin Jones was released from the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

[Material redacted as required by statute.] usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 11:45 a.m., SAC Jamar complained to FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. that CNN's use of night vision equipment during its news broadcasts had revealed the movements and locations of HRT members. This placed the HRT at greater risk, because the Branch Davidians watched these broadcasts. FBI Director Sessions called the President of CNN, who agreed to stop broadcasting pictures made with night vision equipment. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Koresh also agreed to send out another child, Heather Jones, age 9, in the morning. Excerpts from these conversations serve to highlight the difficulty faced by the negotiators when dealing with Koresh. All of the quotes below are from Koresh: ……

2:55 p.m.

"What happens when . . . this all gets heated and you get somebody and these cars go flying, you know, 40, 50 feet in the air out towards the lake?" ……

11:30 p.m.

After being informed by the negotiator that the armored vehicles would be moving for a shift change, Koresh engaged in the following conversation:
KORESH: 'Cause if something messes up on this side or on your side, then World War III again.
FBI: No, we don't need that.
KORESH: You know what I mean?
FBI: We do not need that.
KORESH: I know. It's crazy. Let's, let's let, let's let's, let's look at these passages of scripture I've been sharing with you --
FBI: Yes.
KORESH: -- and I wish your other agents, they would look at them and, and, you know, take a look at them, and, uh, you know, it would be so awesome if everyone could just sit down and have --
FBI: I know.
KORESH: -- one honest Bible study in this great nation of America.
FBI: Well --
KORESH: You know, America does not have to be humiliated or destroyed.

As an example of Koresh's rambling style of preaching, the following excerpt from 10:00 p.m. is typical:
….. KORESH: Okay. So, so, when it comes down to this final revelation when, when, when God sends his Son into the world to reveal the Seven Seals, then all the sons of God are going to want to learn the Seven Seals, aren't they?
FBI: Yes.
KORESH: Okay. So, the thing of it is -- but man, whose carnal in -- remember, wisdom says she hates pride and arrogancy and carnality? She says now, I've built my house, I've hewn my seven pillars? You know, we know that wisdom built Christ. Let me explain. And wisdom builds everybody. Now, here is, here is the clincher to it. It says here: for the kingdoms of this world becomes the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever. And the four-and twenty elders which sit before God on their seats fell down upon their faces and worshipped God, saying we give Thee thanks, oh, Lord, God Almighty, which art and was and are to come, because Thou has taken a great power in his reign which this is where God has to intervene. For the nations were angry -- which is like Psalms 2, the heathen raged -- and Thy wrath has come -which the Sixth Seal went -- what's going to happen is that the sum of the stars are going to be dark and all the natural elements of light and the heaven is going to part and everyone in this world is going to get to look up and see something they never seen before, something I was already shown. But, of course, what happens is that I'm supposed to show it through a book. And then what happens is they're going to realize that, that, uh -- see, all I've ever wanted out of my life is peace... usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

This day began on an upbeat note when Heather Jones, age 9, was released at 8:39 a.m. However, this event had to be balanced against the notification from the Methodist Children's Home that Joan Vaega, who had been released on March 2, had a note pinned to her jacket. The note was from Joan's mother to Joan's older sister Ursula in Hawaii. It stated that by the time Ursula read the note-1 she (the mother) would be dead, and that once the children were out, the adults were going to die. …… usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 9:45 a.m., the FBI learned from local water supply officials that the compound had its own separate water supply that could not be shut off. The water came from a well with an electric pump. Therefore, unless the pump could be shut down, their water supply was limitless……. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In a conversation at 11:59 a.m., Koresh admitted that he and his followers had been preparing for battle with the authorities since 1985, and he threatened to "blow the tanks to pieces." ….. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 5:53 p.m. Schneider informed the negotiators that Peter Gent's body had been found at the edge of the building within the compound. Gent had been shot and killed, presumably by the ATF, during the initial shootout on February 28. Schneider wanted to remove the body and give it to the FBI; however, the negotiators refused this request unless two persons, who would remain outside, accompanied the body. Koresh refused to allow this; therefore, Peter Gent's body remained on the grounds. …… usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

The Dallas Morning News (WACO 03/06/1993) 3/6/93 Jennifer Nagorka "…..David Koresh says he isn't killing himself, isn't coming out of his lair yet and isn't Christ…….Mr. Koresh has said he and his followers will abandon their fortified, well-supplied compound only when God tells him to. Again Friday, he gave no hint of when that might be. Still, there was cause for optimism on the part of federal authorities striving to avert further bloodshed. Mr. Koresh allowed another child, a 9-year-old girl, to leave the besieged fortress. That brought to 21 the number of children released. …….. ….."

The Dallas Morning News (WACO 03/06/1993) 3/6/93 Jennifer Nagorka "…..Mr. Koresh laid to rest immediate concerns that he'll end the standoff by ending his own life. "He has been specifically asked if there is an intent on his part to commit suicide. He has denied that," said Agent Ricks, one of those in command at the scene of the standoff, about 10 miles east of Waco. Nor, the agent said, will Mr. Koresh order the suicides of the more than 100 followers he says are with him in the compound. …… "

In a conversation that began before midnight, the negotiators spoke to Steve Schneider until approximately 2:00 a.m. …..

At 4:35 p.m., Koresh agreed to send out Melissa Morrison, age 6, if the negotiators would put the ATF undercover agent, Robert Rodriguez, on the phone with Koresh. ……. After this effort, neither Koresh, Schneider, nor Rose Morrison ever mentioned sending Melissa out. Although she was probably one of the children who died in the April 19 fire, he r body has not yet been identified.

FBI: Who did you tell me you were?
KORESH: If God sits on the throne, if he gave the book to the Lamb --
FBI: Yes.
KORESH: You know who I am. And you know who I claim that I am.
FBI: And you claim that you're the Lord.
KORESH: I am Christ.
FBI: Well, you didn't say that. You said you claimed to be the Lord.
KORESH: Christ is the same as the Lord. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Prince of the Kings of the earth. Yep. What can I say? Shall I lie? No, I will not lie. And, as I said before, my father sits on a throne and he said to wait. And you're being judged……..
FBI: I think you're trying to give me a message, aren't you, David?
KORESH: Well, I'm saying y1all keep negotiating with us and stuff. But woe to the bloody city.

For the remainder of March 7, virtually everyone in the compound who spoke to FBI negotiators expressed their anger and frustration….. The two main concerns of the Branch Davidians on that day were the FBI's delay in delivering milk for the children, and the denial of direct access to the media. Concerning the milk, the FBI had offered milk in return for the release of some children. This offer was rejected by Schneider and Koresh at 9:12 a.m. Afterwards, four different individuals came on the line and complained bitterly about the milk. These individuals also confirmed that they did not want to come out. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Koresh stressed several times during these conversations that only he knew the secret of the Seven Seals, and that he would refuse to listen to anyone who did not know as much as he. Koresh asserted that, if negotiators or some preachers could prove to him that he was wrong about the Seven Seals, he would surrender. However, on the other hand, Koresh declared that, if he were right about the Seven Seals, "you're mine!" usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

The Dallas Morning News Scott Parks 9/26/99 "....Another document says a former FBI agent working for a private defense contractor "probably initiated" an FBI request for high-tech surveillance robots equipped with "day and night cameras, forward-looking infrared imaging sensors, acoustic sensors, video recorder, and two-way voice communications." Three robots, all prototypes, were shipped "direct from the factory" to Waco on March 8. They were accompanied by two civilian technicians, a Marine Corps major and an Army captain from U.S. Army Materiel Command. A final entry on the robot records said, "Personnel have been briefed on restrictions on military involvement in civil law enforcement." ...."

Drudge Report 10/9/99 "....Recently unearthed internal FBI documents reveal that the bureau faxed a formal assault plan directly to the White House in the early days of the 51-day Branch Davidian seige, Sunday's DALLAS MORNING NEWS is reporting. The DMN's Lee Hancock and David Jackson are reporting that the attack plan was sent to the White House on March 8, 1993 at the behest of then Assistant Attorney General Webster Hubbell. Hubbell testified before Congress in 1995 that the White House played no role in Waco decision making. This document and other evidence was discovered last month within four boxes discovered at the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team base in Quantico, Va. ….....The documents show regular and ongoing consultations between the FBI and military experts during the stand-off. One undated document shows that the former head of the Army's secret anti-terrorist unit Delta Force, General Peter J. Schoomaker, was sent to Waco despite questions that he had the authority to be there in the first place. Also planned -- but aborted -- was a strategy to drug the compound's water supply...."

The Dallas Morning News 10/8/99 Lee Hancock David Jackson "....Another undated, handwritten note mentions that Delta Force commandos and intelligence experts should be ``invited'' to Waco, stating ``Delta commo/intel guys -- helpful in observation role.'' A March 8 note states that a formal assault or ``ops plan'' had been faxed directly to the White House by FBI tactical officials. An FBI official in Washington said that was done at the direction of Assistant Attorney General Webster Hubbell. During 1995 congressional hearings, Hubbell said he often consulted with the White House counsel's office about the standoff. He said that the White House was not involved in decision making during the FBI operation....."

11:04 a.m. to Three men left the compound
12:45 p.m. and buried the body of Peter Gent.
12:418 p.m. The nurse advised FBI that Koresh's wounds were healing nicely.
1:37 p.m. David Koresh reconfirmed:"I am not going to commit suicide."
3:50 p.m. FBI delivered six gallons of milk to the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Wilcher received information that Koresh had an extensive CIA background, that he was known as a sleeper and that there were more sleeper cults in Utah, Idaho and California.

The New American 3/93 Robert W Lee "….. On March 11th, BATF Deputy Associate Director Dan Conroy told reporters, "We absolutely, categorically deny we contacted the media prior to the raid." He subsequently acknowledged, however, that Sharon Wheeler, a BATF spokeswoman in Dallas, had contacted several Dallas-based news agencies a few hours prior to the raid and asked for the phone numbers of specific press representatives who could be reached "in case something happened" over the weekend. And during his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on April 28th, BATF Director Stephen E. Higgins was asked by Representative John Bryant (D-TX): "Did somebody at the BATF notify the press in advance of the raid?" Higgins replied: "Yes, I think there's evidence which indicates that someone did." …."

At 4:14 p.m., Schneider told the negotiators that the next day, March 12, Kathy Schroeder, Kevin Whitecliff, Brad Branch, and Oliver Gyarfas would exit the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

....In the same conversation at 4:21 p.m., Schneider mentioned that Koresh was listening to Paul Harvey on the radio and that Harvey described a "shooting star" called the "guitar nebula." Schneider said that "David takes it as a sign." The FBI became hopeful that this might be the sign from God that Koresh had been waiting for since March 2. ….In a conversation with Koresh at 7:03 p.m., he denied that the "guitar nebula" was the sign that he was looking for. http://www.usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Janet Reno was sworn in as Attorney General of the United States in a ceremony at the White House.

Nothing of significance occurred at the compound until Kathy Schroeder left the compound at 10:41 a.m. At 11:50 a.m., Schroeder was interviewed and stated that there was no plan inside the compound for suicide. She assured the FBI that suicide would not occur. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 6:00 p.m., Oliver Gyarfas exited the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 8:44 p.m., Schneider advised the negotiators that no one else would come out that day; however, he promised that Brad Branch, Kevin Whitecliff, and Rita Riddle would come out the next day. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

[Material redacted as required by statute]. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 11:07 p.m., SAC Jamar ordered that the electrical power be shut off once again in an attempt to demonstrate that the FBI controlled their "earthly" lives rather than Koresh. The power was never turned back on for the duration of the standoff. Schneider and Koresh immediately became outraged and complained that the termination of electrical power was an act of bad faith. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 1:24 p.m., the negotiators offered to allow Judy Schneider to come out, receive medical care for her wounds, then return to the compound. In return, the FBI asked for the exit of three individuals. This offer was rejected at 2:30 p.m. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

[Material redacted as required by statute.] usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At nightfall, the FBI began to illuminate the compound with bright lights to disrupt sleep, to put additional pressure on those inside, and to increase the safety of the HRT. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Bright lights remained focused on the compound; however, no other actions were taken by the FBI. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

[Material redacted as required by statute.] usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Between 4:23 p.m. and 5:28 p.m., Schneider and Wayne Martin came out of the compound and met with SSRA Byron Sage and McLennan County Sheriff Jack Harwell. In what the negotiators termed a "cordial and positive" meeting, the two sides agreed that negotiations would continue. Schneider also told negotiators that God had told Koresh to stay but that the others could leave any time they wanted. SSRA Sage and Sheriff Harwell were also able to defuse many issues of concern, such as the Davidians' right to counsel, the availability of medical attention, and the preservation of the crime scene. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

[Material redacted as required by statute.] usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

The listening devices picked up Koresh talking about it on March 15. He said he saw a man standing in a corner get shot in the head. "All of a sudden, puff (makes a sound like a gunshot and laughs) his head blew up," Koresh said. The conversation continued and Koresh said he was sure the man had died. "He shouldn't have been standing in my door," Koresh said. ……. The conversations show that on March 15, Koresh asked about the whereabouts of a box of flares. "I want to find out where our parachute flares are," Koresh said. ……."I'm not saying there was anything sinister about it," Swett said. "I just want people to know there were flares in there." … St. Louis Post Dispatch 5/31/00 Terry Ganey

In one of the March 15 transcripts, a voice that appeared to be Mr. Koresh's said jokingly, "A guy came around the corner going - then I looked around the corner and saw the guy over there, you know, and, uh, in the corner all slumped, and he was, all his head down like this, and then his head blew up. "He shouldn't have been standin' in my door. ... Tryin' to come in. ... But I - I didn't, you know. ... What am I goin' do? Let 'em come in?" Lee Hanock Brenda Rodgriquez 06/20/2000 Dalals Morning News

….. In one rambling conversation picked up by an FBI bug, compound occupants, including leader David Koresh, touched on subjects from music, to his being on the cover of People magazine, to his sex acts, to the Feb. 28 gun battle. ……..One unidentified male describes someone named Livingston, an apparent reference to sect member Livingston Fagan, having shot "those guys up on the side there." ……Another male, apparently Mr. Koresh, adds with laughter that "a guy came around the corner going - then I looked around the corner and saw the guy over there, you know, and uh, in the corner all slumped, and he was, all his head down like this, and then his head blew up. ………"He shouldn't have been standin' in my door ... tryin' to come in. ... But I - I didn't, you know. ...What am I goin' do? Let em come in?" ……. Dallas Morning News 6/20/00

In another conversation captured by FBI bugs, two unidentified males are talking about the Feb. 28 gun battle. One describes "Floyd" - an apparent reference to a Davidian later killed in the April 19 fire - aiming a gun and shooting through compound walls and a window at the agents outside. …….A voice then describes how he saw an agent peering through an upstairs window but not shooting at anyone inside. That voice then adds, "I was gonna wait for them to make their move. Then I thought, well, here goes, you know. Bam, bam, bam, bam. ...." ………A voice laughingly describes another sect member named Brad, a possible reference to Brad Branch, jumping and rolling from window to window to fire at the intruders outside. "Just spray 'em," another voice responds." ……One voice then tells how some of the shooting out a window took place even as a baby was crawling nearby. "The baby just was climbin', climb on the bed. They were just shooting." Dallas Morning News 6/20/00

The negotiators decided at 1:20 p.m. to broadcast audiotapes over the public address system, which the FBI had set up outside the compound. The audiotapes were of those who had exited the compound, and contained positive comments about their treatment by law enforcement. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 1:34 p:m., SSRA Sage began to speak to those inside the compound over the loudspeaker system in an attempt to communicate directly with everyone, and to urge everyone to come out. … SSRA Sage broadcasted again at 5:00 p.m. Sage also played a tape over the loudspeaker of his March 17 confrontational conversation with Koresh. At 6:21 p.m., after Schneider was warned in advance by negotiators, the HRT used the armored vehicles to remove the compound's diesel and gasoline storage tanks. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In a conversation with negotiators at 8:30 a.m., Koresh once again stressed that they were not going to commit suicide and that more time was needed for them to come out. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 7:15 p.m., Brad Branch and Kevin Whitecliff exited the compound. These two men were the only individuals to exit, along with Rita Riddle who exited on the next day usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

[material redacted as required by statute]. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In a conversation lasting from 1:59 p.m. to 2:44 p.m., Koresh told negotiators that some people were going to come out, and that eventually everyone would. Koresh also discussed the "guitar nebula" and how he had predicted its presence in the universe. Koresh professed to be astounded by the "guitar nebula" and attempted to relate it to his preachings. http://www.usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Branch and Whitecliff were held in jail as material witnesses….. Schneider indicated in conversations between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., that two women, Victorine Hollingsworth, age 59, and Annetta Richards, age 63, might come out shortly. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Freeper amom "…..From http://www.indirect.com/www/dhardy/TWC.JPEG "…it was cited that the primary areas of responsibility which would come under focus with relation to FBI assistance would be the environmental clean-up with relation to spillage of approximately 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel during clearing operations of the south side of the complex which took place on or about Sunday, March 21, 1993…" I don't know this has always just sort of stuck in my mind.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch 1/29/2000 Terry Ganey "..... Although the government has consistently denied the Army's Combat Applications Force -- the "Delta Force" - was present at Waco, previously classified Army documents reveal that four Delta Force "observers" were deployed to Waco on March 21.

At 12:15 a.m., Victorine Hollingsworth and Annetta Richards exited the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

A short while later, at 2:19 a.m., the negotiator asked Koresh to clarify what he meant:
FBI: Well, what made you ask God whether or not you should wait?
KORESH: Because I didn't want Him to destroy you. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Between 9:37 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the negotiators worked out the details with Schneider for the exit of two more adults. At 11:00 a.m., Rita Riddle and Gladys Ottman came out. Afterward, Schneider said that more could be coming out shortly.

At 2:15 p.m., Sheila Martin, age 46, James Lawton, age 70, and Ofelia Santoya, age 62, left the compound. A short time after their surrender, SAC Jamar advised the negotiators that the tactical personnel were going to bulldoze obstructions away from one side of the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

In the evening hours, the FBI began playing very loud music over the loudspeaker system. Several times during the night, those in the compound asked that it be turned off. Finally, at 11:35 p.m. an angry Schneider relayed a message from an angry Koresh: "Because of the loud music, nobody is coming out." A short while later, the loudspeaker system malfunctioned. The night ended quietly. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Sunday Times (London, England) 3/21/93 wizrdsofaz.com/waco/londntimes.jpg

"….The walls, air vents and chimneys are all places where tiny fibre-optic microphones and cameras have been inserted to relay audio and visual images back to the control centre…."

"….Two weeks ago, the FBI requested that a special surveillance plane fly down to Waco. The multi-sensor surveillance aircraft is made by Pitatus Britten-Norman on the Isle of Wight and is a conversion of their civilian Islander. Equipped with a forward looking infra-red radar and a low-light television camera, it can pick up and track targets in all weather…"

"….Even before the raid last month, the compound had been infiltrated by undercover agents worried by the growing arsenal of weapons. While the agents were inside, normal telephones are believed to have been replaced by converted sets which double as microphones to relay all conversation inside a room…."

",….The cult is believed to have powerful thermal-imaging night sights on its armoury, which includes machineguns and antitank weapons. To counter that threat, federal agents have mounted powerful arc lights, ready to blind those inside…."

"…..The siege has become a focal point for the world’s special forces eager to see the latest equipment being applied in a real crisis. Observer teams from the Delta Force and British SAS have already visited Waco...."

DallasNews 2/28/00 Lee Hancock "…..FBI officials in Waco started pushing to use tear gas to end the standoff soon after it began, records indicate. And on March 22, three weeks into the siege, FBI negotiators recommended that in writing……. The day after the negotiators' recommendation went to Washington, Mr. Coulson wrote superiors saying that he believed the request was driven by fatigue and frustration of Waco personnel and by pressure from Mr. Rogers. ……. …..Three days later, Mr. Jamar told FBI headquarters to that he wanted to bash the compound with 60-ton tanks. That operation and related efforts to bulldoze the sect's cars away from the area just outside the building would be part of an escalating effort to punish the Branch Davidians for not meeting surrender demands, a March 26 outline of Mr. Jamar's proposal indicated. Mr. Coulson responded with another memo, addressed to deputy FBI director Larry Potts. "Jeff wasn't sure that we had to go outside the FBI to get approval to 'nick' the building. Ha, Ha," Mr. Coulson wrote. Although the Branch Davidians' cars were moved by FBI tanks, plans to cut away siding on the front and bash two feet into the compound's gym were not carried out. ….."

3/22/93 Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents From the 1993 Presidential Documents Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:pd22mr93_txt-22] [Page 448-451] Monday, March 22, 1993 Volume 29--Number 11 Pages 407-456 Week Ending Friday, March 19, 1993 Remarks to Treasury Department Employees March 18, 1993 "…My prayers and I'm sure yours are still with the families of all four of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents who were killed in Waco: Todd McKeehan and Conway Le Bleu of New Orleans, Steve Willis of Houston, and Robert Williams from my hometown of Little Rock. Three of those four were assigned to my security during the course of the primary or the general election….Thank you very much. Note: The President spoke at 11:48 a.m. in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department…."

SAC Jamar called a meeting of the crisis management team to discuss strategy. The negotiators advised him that there was no clear indication that large numbers of those remaining inside would surrender any time soon. The hostage negotiation team observed that Schneider and Koresh had continued to resist all efforts by the negotiators to provide specific names, numbers, or time frames for action. Accordingly, several "stress escalation" measures were discussed. Failing a positive response from the Davidians to these actions, the negotiators recommended the introduction of tear gas as a non-lethal alternative to clear the compound. This was the first time the FBI formally considered tear gas as an option for resolving the standoff. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Because of technical problems with the telephones and with the loudspeaker system, SSRA Sage went in an armored vehicle to the compound at approximately 5:15 p.m. and spoke to the individuals inside through a bullhorn. Schneider, came a few paces outside of the compound to speak to SSRA Sage, and informed him that Koresh appeared to be getting weaker. The FBI decided to lay groundlines for a field telephone system to facilitate communications. The field telephone was delivered to the compound at 7:45 p.m., and conversations began again at 8:00 p.m. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Livingstone Fagan, age 34, came out of the compound at 10:05 a.m., after discussions between the negotiators and Schneider. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

AUSA William Johnston in Waco wrote a letter directly to Attorney General Janet Reno. In the letter, Johnston complained about the FBI's handling of the crime scene, and about U.S. Attorney Ederer's handling of the situation. The Attorney General directed Mark Richard, a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Justice Department's Criminal Division, to look into the matter and make recommendations for a solution. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 4:45 p.m., the FBI was notified that the news media might be bringing in a special parabolic microphone to attempt to hear what was being said over the P.A. system at the compound. In response, the FBI gave orders to all agents to say nothing through the bullhorn or loudspeakers that they didn't want to hear on television or read in the newspaper. …….At 10:00 p.m., the FBI decided to direct exterior floodlights at the compound all night and, instead of music, play tapes of previous negotiations, and messages from those who had exited the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

During the pre-dawn hours of March 24, the floodlights were directed at the compound, and Tibetan chants, Christmas music, and tapes of previously recorded negotiations were played over the loudspeakers. After several attempts, the negotiators reached Steve Schneider at 9:52 a.m. still angry over the loud music, Schneider refused to talk any further that day. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Throughout the standoff the FBI was concerned about its ability to maintain the security of the perimeter around the compound, to prevent people from entering or leaving. This concern became a reality when, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the FBI observed a shirtless male, later identified as Louis Alaniz, knocking at the compound door. The Davidians allowed him to enter. Alaniz had slipped through the perimeter and eluded the HRT. The negotiators immediately attempted to find out who he was and suggested to Schneider that he be sent back outside. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 4:00 p.m., there was no activity from inside the compound. The armored vehicles moved into the compound and removed a number of -motorcycles and go-carts. Those inside the compound simply watched by holding mirrors in the windows so that they could see outside. At 6:12 p.m., Schneider claimed that if he could see one or two ATF agents locked up, they all would come out. The negotiators refused to discuss this suggestion. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Once again, the noon deadline passed with no activity. At 12:10 p.m., the armored vehicles moved back into the compound and removed eight vehicles. ……The perimeter was compromised again on March 26. Sometime between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, an unknown male, who had apparently snuck past the HRT, entered the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Lights, music, and helicopter activity occurred throughout the night. At 8:50 a.m., a banner was hung outside that read "Tank Broke Phone Lines". A new telephone was delivered, and contact was re-established with Schneider at 12:32 p.m. ……… The negotiator gave Schneider until 1:45 p.m. to send out at least ten people, or else the FBI would take some additional action. Schneider responded that they were not concerned with FBI actions, and that "you can burn us down, kill us, whatever." usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Schneider was contacted at 1:30 p.m. He informed negotiators that no one wanted to come out. The 1:45 p.m. deadline passed. Immediately thereafter, the FBI, with the armored vehicles, began clearing the front side of the compound. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

The negotiators called Schneider again at 9:34 p.m. During this conversation, as well as overnight, the loudspeakers were broadcasting various sounds such as sirens, squawking birds, and laughter. Schneider proclaimed that he was looking forward to God putting an end to the earth; however, he also stated that there would be no suicide. Schneider also said that no one could be convinced to come out. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Schneider called back at 10:29 p.m., saying that two people were guarding Jesse Amen and Louis Alaniz. This conversation, with one short interruption, lasted until after midnight. During this conversation, Schneider denied that Koresh was Christ, confirmed that some individuals had been sent out for drinking, and recommended that the building be set on fire to force everyone out… usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

DallasNews 2/28/00 Lee Hancock "…..FBI records show that on March 28, Mr. Jamar sent a more aggressive proposal to FBI Deputy Director Potts: he wanted full "discretion" to carry out a "mass" tear-gas assault any time in the next week because of the approach of Easter and Passover - key dates to Mr. Koresh's doomsday prophecies.. …..…..In an apparent response to Mr. Jamar's request for full discretion on carrying out the plan, the notes stated that the FBI's Waco command had authority to launch an emergency operation - using gas and tanks - only if the FBI got wind that the sect was about to commit mass suicide. "[The] only thing left to the discretion of on-scene commander is the emergency response," the notes stated…….. FBI leaders, including Mr. Potts, told Congress in 1995 that Mr. Jamar acted properly when he ordered tanks to tear into the building on April 19 - even though the tear-gas plan approved by Ms. Reno called for starting the demolition of the compound only after 48 hours of gassing. ….."

At 12:30 p.m., another individual attempted to enter the compound but was arrested. ……. In response to the missed deadline, the FBI continued using armored vehicles to clear away cars, fences, trees, and other obstructions from the exterior of the compound during the afternoon. During these operations, adults inside the compound were observed holding up children in the windows. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

At 7:00 p.m., local police warned the FBI that approximately 60 people were travelling to Waco to assist the Branch Davidians. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

The proposed face-to-face meeting between Koresh and DeGuerin caused significant controversy within law enforcement. SAC Jamar made the decision to permit the meeting, clearing it with U.S. Attorney Ederer. The AUSAs and the Texas Rangers, who would be responsible for the eventual prosecutions, strongly opposed the meeting. Jamar was focused on resolving the standoff safely, while the prosecutors and the Texas Rangers were focused on the integrity of future court proceedings. The prosecutors and Texas Rangers were afraid that the defense attorney would give advice to Koresh which could result in the destruction of evidence and cause a more difficult prosecution. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

FOX NEWS AP 12/31/99 "…."The negotiators' approach was working until they had the rug pulled out from under them" by aggressive tactical actions, a Justice Department investigator was told in August 1993 by Agent Gary Noesner, FBI negotiation coordinator for the siege's first half. ….. "

Friends in High Places 9/13/99 Webb Hubbell excerpt pages 207-218 "….I knew the President wanted to be informed about this. Bernie and Bruce said they would tell him…..."Trust your own judgment," Vince said. "You'll do the right thing." We talked just between us about the issues that were now taking up our days. This wasn't just practicing law; this was life or death. Even I was losing weight. Vince was unhappy. ….Lisa knew nothing of the problems Vince was wrestling with…… The FBI said that if we didn't go forward with it, maybe it was time to turn things over to the Texas Rangers while the hostage rescue team retrained. I could tell they didn't relish that idea…."

On April 1, Mark Richard returned to Washington, D.C. and reported his findings to the Attorney General. The Attorney General approved a plan wherein a senior prosecutor, Ray Jahn, would be assigned as lead counsel in the Branch Davidian case. AUSA Jahn would report directly to the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division in Washington, D.C. AUSA Jahn was charged not only with the responsibility for prosecution, but also with ensuring better overall cooperation between the numerous agencies involved. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

DeGuerin and Zimmerman met with SAC Jamar and told him that Koresh and his followers would leave the compound on either April 2 or April 10. The disparity in dates was due to confusion over the dates for observing the "Passover" holiday in the compound. The attorneys also informed Jamar that they had instructed their clients not to speak to law enforcement except to arrange the final surrender of those inside the compound. Jamar, after consultation with the United States Attorney's office, declined to recognize the attorneys' instructions. The FBI continued to maintain contact with Koresh and Schneider, and Koresh and Schneider continued to maintain contact with the FBI. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

10:00 am, a person tried to leave the building - FBI agents fired two "flash-bangs" at him. Soldier Of Fortune 12/99 Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas - February 29 to April 19, 1993

There was no activity until 10:00 a.m. when an individual exited the compound and walked into the courtyard. The FBI activated two "flash bangs" (a "flash bang" is a stunning device emitting bright light, sound and smoke to divert the activity and attention of the subject) into the courtyard, causing the person to go back inside. At 10:59 a.m., Schneider called about the "flash bang" incident, claiming that no one had been outside. Koresh came on the line and said that "Passover" would be observed for seven more days. usdoj.gov/05publications/waco/wacotwo.html

Among documents introduced Friday was a phone message taken at the FBI's headquarters command center on April 7 announcing that Mr. Jamar and Mr. Rogers had decided not to try to fight a fire if one broke out during the gas operation. ......The FBI leaders said they weren't aware that the Washington, D.C,. fire department had two armored firetrucks in 1993 or that a California firm had offered free use of Czech-made, remote-controlled armored firefighting vehicles if the FBI arranged to have them flown to Waco. ... Lee Hancock 6/24/00 The Dallas Morning News

Plaintiffs' lawyers ended the day by airing part of an FBI briefing on April 7, 1993, given to FBI agents assigned to help carry out the final tear gas assault. In the video, the head of a bureau SWAT team told other agents that FBI leaders in Washington had decided against trying to use tanks to bash holes into the compound. "It would be conceived by the Davidians, the people inside as an act of aggression, an attack ...and they will retaliate, so headquarters rejected that," the agent said in the briefing. … Dallas Morning News 06/23/2000 Lee Hancock Brenda Rodriguez

7:03 p.m. [Koresh's aide] Schneider exits the building and walks toward armored vehicles. Agents fired a "flash-bang" near him. 7:30 p.m. another male exits the compound into the courtyard. Agents fired a "flash-bang" at him. Soldier Of Fortune 12/99 Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas - February 29 to April 19, 1993

The Dallas Morning News 3/2/00 Lee Hancok "….. Hours after a federal prosecutor cautioned the FBI about the need for firetrucks at the Branch Da