• On Feb. 28, 1993 federal authorities began a siege on the Branch Davidian complex, which ended violently 50 days later.Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound April 20, 1993 in Waco, Texas. The standoff between lawmen and militant anti-government "freemen" on a Montana farm is testing FBI Director Louis J. Freeh's determination to avoid repeating the deadly outcomes of FBI sieges at Ruby Ridge and Waco. Photo: SUSAN WEEMS, ASSOCIATED PRESS / AP1996
Photo: SUSAN WEEMS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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On Feb. 28, 1993 federal authorities began a siege on the Branch Davidian complex, which ended violently 50 days later.

Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound April 20, 1993 in Waco, Texas. The standoff between lawmen and militant anti-government "freemen" on a Montana farm is testing FBI Director Louis J. Freeh's determination to avoid repeating the deadly outcomes of FBI sieges at Ruby Ridge and Waco.

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On Feb. 28, 1993 federal authorities began a siege on the Branch Davidian complex, which ended violently 50 days later.

Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound April 20, 1993 in Waco, Texas. The standoff

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Photo: SUSAN WEEMS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Investigators work on top of the underground bunker at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Monday, May 3, 1993 as the search continues for more bodies at the burned out compound. The heavily armed religious sect's complex burned on April 19, killing an estimated 72 people. less
Investigators work on top of the underground bunker at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Monday, May 3, 1993 as the search continues for more bodies at the burned out compound. The heavily armed ... more
Photo: Ron Heflin, AP
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This is a 1981 photo of David Koresh taken at the Mount Carmel compound of the Branch Davidians cult near Waco, Texas. Koresh, the leader of the cult who claims to be Christ, and his followers, were involved in a standoff with police at the compound in 1993. (AP Photo) less
This is a 1981 photo of David Koresh taken at the Mount Carmel compound of the Branch Davidians cult near Waco, Texas. Koresh, the leader of the cult who claims to be Christ, and his followers, were involved ... more
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS
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US Attorney General Janet Reno is surrounded by photographers before testifying to a congressional subcommittee in Washington on the final day of two weeks of hearings into the loss of over 80 lives in the 1993 raid on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas. Reno, in her prepared testimony, insisted that cult leader David Koresh was solely responsible for the deaths of his followers.
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US Attorney General Janet Reno is surrounded by photographers before testifying to a congressional subcommittee in Washington on the final day of two weeks of hearings into the loss of over 80 lives in the 1993 ... more
Photo: DAVID AKE, AFP/Getty Images
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Investigators search for clues in the rubble of the destroyed Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, April 27, 1993. Independent fire arson investigators announced Monday they have concluded the cultists themselves set the fire that destroyed the compound. less
Investigators search for clues in the rubble of the destroyed Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, April 27, 1993. Independent fire arson investigators announced Monday they have concluded the ... more
Photo: Ron Heflin, AP
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A group of people gather on a hillside and look toward the site where the Branch Davidian compound once stood about 6 miles away outside of Waco, Texas on Sunday, April 25, 1993. The hillside, outside of Waco, Texas, has been a popular place for the curious, after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms raid on February 28. The compound burned on Monday, April 9, killing an estimated 86 people. less
A group of people gather on a hillside and look toward the site where the Branch Davidian compound once stood about 6 miles away outside of Waco, Texas on Sunday, April 25, 1993. The hillside, outside of Waco, ... more
Photo: Roberto Borea, AP
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Kerry Kinchen uses a bullhorn to lead protesters in an anti-ATF demonstration at the checkpoint leading to the remains of the Branch Davidian cult compound 24 April 1993. The 51-day standoff, which began 28 February in a shootout with Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms agents ended 19 April when the cult's compound burned to the ground, with an estimated 86 members of the cult still inside. less
Kerry Kinchen uses a bullhorn to lead protesters in an anti-ATF demonstration at the checkpoint leading to the remains of the Branch Davidian cult compound 24 April 1993. The 51-day standoff, which began 28 ... more
Photo: DAVID AKE, AFP/Getty Images
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WACO, TX - APRIL 23: Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) shown in a file photo dated 23 April 1993 inspecting the only structure that was left standing after a fire destroyed the Branch Davidian cult compound 19 April 1993. After a shootout in Waco in 1993 that killed four federal agents and six members of the Branch Davidian religious sect, authorities negotiated with cult leader David Koresh for 51 days. On the final day, 19 April 1993, a few hours after a government tank rammed the cult's wooden fortress, the siege ended in a fiery blaze, killing Koresh and 80 of his followers. less
WACO, TX - APRIL 23: Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) shown in a file photo dated 23 April 1993 inspecting the only structure that was left standing after a fire destroyed the Branch ... more
Photo: DAVID AKE, AFP/Getty Images
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Investigators search for evidence in the rubble of the former Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Friday, April 23, 1993. The religious cultís stronghold was destroyed in a fire on Monday.
Investigators search for evidence in the rubble of the former Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Friday, April 23, 1993. The religious cultís stronghold was destroyed in a fire on Monday.
Photo: Ron Heflin, AP
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Aerial view of charred remains of Branch Davidian compound in Waco, burnt during showdown between FBI/ATF & David Koresh-led religious cult.
Aerial view of charred remains of Branch Davidian compound in Waco, burnt during showdown between FBI/ATF & David Koresh-led religious cult.
Photo: Shelly Katz, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image
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Details fr. letters dictated by Branch Davidian cult ldr. David Koresh as Yahweh Koresh or voice of God, re fatal end to FBI/ATF showdown w. cult at its Waco, TX compound.
Details fr. letters dictated by Branch Davidian cult ldr. David Koresh as Yahweh Koresh or voice of God, re fatal end to FBI/ATF showdown w. cult at its Waco, TX compound.
Photo: Shelly Katz, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image
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 Unidentified members of the Branch Davidian cult arrive at federal court 20 April 1993 in Waco, TX. Nine members of the cult escaped the fire that destroyed the cult's compound 19 April. The fire ended a 51-day standoff with federal agents. Investigators have begun searching the ruins of the compound. less
 Unidentified members of the Branch Davidian cult arrive at federal court 20 April 1993 in Waco, TX. Nine members of the cult escaped the fire that destroyed the cult's compound 19 April. The fire ended a ... more
Photo: TIM ROBERTS, AFP/Getty Images
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This aerial view of the destroyed Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, was made on April 20, 1993 from an aircraft at 8,500 feet: the height restriction made by federal authorities.
This aerial view of the destroyed Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, was made on April 20, 1993 from an aircraft at 8,500 feet: the height restriction made by federal authorities.
Photo: TANNEN MAURY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Overhead of smoking fire consuming David Koresh-led Branch Davidian cult compound, believed set by cult after FBI/ATF teargassing in effort to end siege
Overhead of smoking fire consuming David Koresh-led Branch Davidian cult compound, believed set by cult after FBI/ATF teargassing in effort to end siege
Photo: Time Life Pictures, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image
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Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993. The Justice Department said cult members set the fire.
Flames engulf the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993. The Justice Department said cult members set the fire.
Photo: SUSAN WEEMS, AP
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A searchlight cuts through the night sky behind the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, April 7, 1993. The religious cult has been under siege since the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms raid on February 28. less
A searchlight cuts through the night sky behind the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, April 7, 1993. The religious cult has been under siege since the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ... more
Photo: David Phillip, AP
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An unidentified man rides in the back of a Texas Dept. of Pubic Saftey vehicle as he arrives at the county jail after he walked out of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas on Sunday, April 4, 1993.
An unidentified man rides in the back of a Texas Dept. of Pubic Saftey vehicle as he arrives at the county jail after he walked out of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas on Sunday, April 4, 1993.
Photo: Ron Heflin, AP
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Billy Walker backhands an unidentified man who cursed him for selling T-shirts near the Waco, Texas, compound of the Branch Davidians on Monday, March 30, 1993. A number of vendors have gathered near the site to sell goods to spectators who gather for a view of the compound which has been under siege by federal authorities for a month. less
Billy Walker backhands an unidentified man who cursed him for selling T-shirts near the Waco, Texas, compound of the Branch Davidians on Monday, March 30, 1993. A number of vendors have gathered near the site ... more
Photo: Dave Martin, AP
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A helicopter hovers near the Branch Davidian compound (background) in Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 23, 1993 as cult extremists continue their standoff with justice officials. Members of the cult have been slowly trickling out of the armed compound which has been under siege for 24 days.

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A helicopter hovers near the Branch Davidian compound (background) in Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 23, 1993 as cult extremists continue their standoff with justice officials. Members of the cult have been

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Photo: David Phillip, AP
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Ceji Ashby of Waco (R), a supporter of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), shown in a file photo dated 21 March 1993 turning away after arguing with a demonstrator Jerald Finney of Austin at a roadblock near the Branch Davidian. After a shootout in Waco in 1993 that killed four federal agents and six members of the Branch Davidian religious sect, authorities negotiated with cult leader David Koresh for 51 days. On the final day, 19 April 1993, a few hours after a government tank rammed the cult's wooden fortress, the siege ended in a fiery blaze, killing Koresh and 80 of his followers.

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Ceji Ashby of Waco (R), a supporter of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), shown in a file photo dated 21 March 1993 turning away after arguing with a demonstrator Jerald Finney of Austin at a

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Photo: BOB DAEMMRICH, AFP/Getty Images
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Two Texas Department of Public Safety officers take it easy at a checkpoint near the Branch Davidian compound on Friday, March 20, 1993. Law officers have been in a standoff with David Koresh and his Branch Davidian followers since February 28 gunfights that ended with four Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents and at least two cultists dead. less
Two Texas Department of Public Safety officers take it easy at a checkpoint near the Branch Davidian compound on Friday, March 20, 1993. Law officers have been in a standoff with David Koresh and his Branch ... more
Photo: Ron Heflin, AP
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Two entrepreneurs, Stacey Boiles, 26, left, and Jane Lupfer, 28, both of Waco, Texas, set up shop with their Branch Davidian cult T-shirts near the cult's compound in Waco, Texas on Friday, March 20, 1993. The cult has been under siege since February 28 when federal agents tried to serve a search and arrest warrant on cult leader David Koresh. less
Two entrepreneurs, Stacey Boiles, 26, left, and Jane Lupfer, 28, both of Waco, Texas, set up shop with their Branch Davidian cult T-shirts near the cult's compound in Waco, Texas on Friday, March 20, 1993. The ... more
Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP
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A banner reading "Send in CFA and Don Stuart" hangs from the watch tower of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Wednesday, March 10, 1993. This is the second day cult members have hung a banner asking the press and others for help. The CFA, or Constitution Foundational Association, is a conservative group highly critical of the federal government. Stewart has been identified as someone experience in negotiations. less
A banner reading "Send in CFA and Don Stuart" hangs from the watch tower of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas on Wednesday, March 10, 1993. This is the second day cult members have hung a banner ... more
Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP
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Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ride in the back of a farmer's pickup truck as he drives to work his fields in Waco, Texas Mar. 9, 1993. Local farmers must be escorted by agents when they work near the Branch Davidian compound outside of Waco, Texas. less
Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ride in the back of a farmer's pickup truck as he drives to work his fields in Waco, Texas Mar. 9, 1993. Local farmers must be escorted by agents when they ... more
Photo: Richard Bowmer, AP
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A cult flag shown in a file photo dated 08 March 1993 flying over the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. After a shootout in Waco in 1993 that killed four federal agents and six members of the Branch Davidian religious sect, authorities negotiated with cult leader David Koresh for 51 days. On the final day, 19 April 1993, a few hours after a government tank rammed the cult's wooden fortress, the siege ended in a fiery blaze, killing Koresh and 80 of his followers. less
A cult flag shown in a file photo dated 08 March 1993 flying over the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. After a shootout in Waco in 1993 that killed four federal agents and six members of the Branch Davidian ... more
Photo: BOB STRONG, AFP/Getty Images
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An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms takes a peek through a special 2,000-mm lens used by a news photographer covering the standoff of the Branch Davidian cult near Waco, Texas on Saturday, March 6, 1993. The lens is propped on a beanbag chair for stability. less
An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms takes a peek through a special 2,000-mm lens used by a news photographer covering the standoff of the Branch Davidian cult near Waco, Texas on Saturday, ... more
Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP
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Two law enforcement officials walk along a country road near the Branch Davidians compound outside Waco, Texas on Saturday, March 6, 1993.
Two law enforcement officials walk along a country road near the Branch Davidians compound outside Waco, Texas on Saturday, March 6, 1993.
Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP
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Baylor University students and a couple on vacations from Mississippi try to catch sight of the Branch Davidians' compound near Waco, Texas on Thursday, March 5, 1993. A steady stream of rubberneckers stop at the hilltop perch more than five miles from the site of the standoff. less
Baylor University students and a couple on vacations from Mississippi try to catch sight of the Branch Davidians' compound near Waco, Texas on Thursday, March 5, 1993. A steady stream of rubberneckers stop at ... more
Photo: Pat Sullivan, AP
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Mourners at the funeral of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent Steve Willis comfort each other at Willis' grave in Houston on Friday, March 5, 1993. The mourners are members of the Texas Spokes Sports Car Club of Austin, Texas, of which Willis was a member. At left are Tom and Heather Holt, and far right is Tani Barr. The couple in the middle is unidentified. (AP Photo/Tim Johnson) less
Mourners at the funeral of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent Steve Willis comfort each other at Willis' grave in Houston on Friday, March 5, 1993. The mourners are members of the Texas Spokes Sports Car Club ... more
Photo: Tim Johnson, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) secure the door of a Bradley armored personel carrier 4 March 1993 near the Mt. Carmel compound of the Branch Davidian religious sect, Texas. The sect is in the fifth day of an armed standoff against ATF and FBI agent. less
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) secure the door of a Bradley armored personel carrier 4 March 1993 near the Mt. Carmel compound of the Branch Davidian religious sect, Texas. The ... more
Photo: BOB PEARSON, AFP/Getty Images
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Federal and local law enforcement officials confer at a roadblock near the Mount Carmel compound of the Branch Davidians cult near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 2, 1993.
Federal and local law enforcement officials confer at a roadblock near the Mount Carmel compound of the Branch Davidians cult near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 2, 1993.
Photo: Ron Heflin, AP
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News people listen to David Koresh' taped radio address at the roadblock outside the Branch Davidians compound near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 2, 1993.
News people listen to David Koresh' taped radio address at the roadblock outside the Branch Davidians compound near Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 2, 1993.
Photo: David Breslauer, AP
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More: Koresh's impact is still felt

Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms set up a tent at the command post on the campus of Texas State Technical Institute in Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 2, 1993.

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More: Koresh's impact is still felt

Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms set up a tent at the command post on the campus of Texas State Technical Institute in Waco, Texas on Tuesday, March 2,

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Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP
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A law enforcement official watches as an armored personnel carrier is deployed from the command center at the Texas State Technical College campus in Waco, Texas in this March 1993 photo. Investigators with the General Accounting Office want to determine whether federal agents improperly used military equipment during the 1993 Branch Davidian standoff, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported Sunday, Dec.7,1997. (AP Photo) less
A law enforcement official watches as an armored personnel carrier is deployed from the command center at the Texas State Technical College campus in Waco, Texas in this March 1993 photo. Investigators with ... more
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS
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This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Waco siege, a 50-day conflict between the Branch Davidians and U.S. and Texas law enforcement agents.

The Davidians, a splinter group of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, had attracted the attention of law enforcement following allegations of polygamy, sexual abuse and possession of illegal weapons.

THEN & NOW: Check back in with the ATF agents involved in the first raid on HoustonChronicle.com

Following the Waco Tribune-Herald's coverage, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sought and obtained search and arrest warrants for David Koresh and his followers at the Mount Carmel Center.

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On February 28, ATF agents assembled to raid the facility. What followed was a fierce gun battle that resulted in the deaths of four agents and five Branch Davidians.

From that day until April 19, federal and state law enforcement agents were engaged with the Branch Davidians in a tense standoff. Despite weeks of negotiations, Koresh and his followers refused to budge from their compound.

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Finally, on April 19, then-President Bill Clinton signed off on Attorney General Janet Reno and the FBI's recommendation to assault Mount Carmel.

The FBI bombarded the compound with numerous tear gas rounds in an attempt to flush the group out of the facility. During that time, there were reports of Branch Davidian members igniting fires around the building.

Eventually, those fires multiplied and engulfed the entire site. At the end of the day, 76 Branch Davidians died. Autopsy results showed some of the victims had been shot and stabbed, likely as a mercy killing or suicide attempt. FBI investigators said one of Koresh's aides shot and killed him.

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The assault and its aftermath became one of the most controversial moments in American history, and would later serve as the impetus of the far deadlier Oklahoma City Bombing.