The Branch Davidians, a religious offshoot of the Seventh-Day Adventists, was founded by Ben Roden in 1955. Upon his death in 1978, his wife, Lois, succeeded him; along with his son, George, the Rodens were challenged by a rival faction, led by Vernon Howell (1959–1993). Howell took control in 1987 and later changed his name to David Koresh.

Koresh claimed to be the Messiah and exercised absolute authority over his hundred or so followers, based at Mount Carmel Ranch near Waco, Texas. He claimed sexual rights over the women in the group; seven had children by him. Koresh also ordered the stockpiling of guns.

In February 1993, agents of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms raided the compound to seize illegal weapons. Gunfire was exchanged, killing and wounding people on both sides. A fifty-one-day siege followed, with the FBI trying to negotiate Koresh's surrender. On April 19, tanks were...