WACO

The tragic rise and fall of a dangerous Christian sect.

Guinn’s well-rounded examination of the Branch Davidians begins in early 1993 during a 51-day federal siege on David Koresh’s heavily guarded compound. As the author recounts, a biblical prophecy that foretold the end of the world compelled Koresh and his followers to stockpile a large cache of weapons within the confines of the Mount Carmel Center, on a 77-acre plot of land outside of Waco. Having surveilled Koresh and his group for months, the government agents meticulously calculated their raid operation. In addition to chronicling the firefight and fire that killed 76 Branch Davidians, the author scrutinizes the legacy of the Davidian movement and the executive hierarchy that ushered in a succession of self-proclaimed modern-day prophets. Guinn naturally focuses on Vernon Wayne Howell, a young man hungering for spiritual guidance. Believing that God “communicated with him,” he eventually transformed himself into David Koresh, the final leader of the Branch Davidian religious cult. Described as a man obsessed with the apocalyptic teachings of the book of Revelation, he demanded loyalty and frequently cited Scripture to justify his reprehensible behavior. His preoccupation with amassing fully automatic artillery for a looming “battle” drew the attention of federal officials. After an investigation, they attempted a surprise raid, but a leak put Koresh and his followers on high alert, leading up to the seven-week impasse. In riveting detail, Guinn describes the high-tension ordeal, drawing on a wealth of new information, including several eyewitness accounts. As the author did in previous reports on Charles Manson and Jonestown, Guinn dives deeply into his subject to present a vivid combination of well-researched facts, personal testimonials, and controversial perspectives. A convincing and chilling coda to this investigation is the correlations Guinn draws among the Davidian compound raid, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

An engrossing report on David Koresh and the endurance of cult culture.