Waco Holocaust
by the
The Dallas Morning News
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Coverage of the Waco Holocaust by the The Dallas Morning News |
The Waco Holocaust was a defining moment in the career of Lee Hancock, who covered the story for years, both before and after the 1993 assault and seige — always in line with the government story and studding the text with the proper emotional button words. For example, Koresh was a "self-appointed Messiah," the Davidians were a "cult," the Mt. Carmel Center was a "compound," and the tornado shelter was a "bunker."
In 2003, Hancock donated 20 boxes of documents to Dr. Catherine Wessinger, Professor of the History of Religions at Loyola University in New Orleans, including Hancock's own News articles, many of which are listed below. In 2010, Loyala moved the collection to Texas State University library.
In March, 1997, the Museum learned of a web page posted by The Dallas Morning News containing many of the stories the News published during the 1993 Waco Holocaust. The archive is entitled The Siege in Waco
The introduction to this archive reads as follows:
This archive of stories includes nearly everything that was published on the standoff and related events between March 1 and April 20, 1993, when fire consumed the Davidian compound. Additional stories and photos will be added in the near future.
As noted, the archive contains "nearly everything" and is not complete. At this writing (March 9, 1997), a number of articles and all of the photographs are still missing. Unfortunately, some of the missing articles are essential to the Museum's story. They are listed below.
Update 2017: As you read this, that archive is no longer available from the The Dallas Morning News website or anywhere else on the Web. Given the importance of the Waco events in American history, these records of media complicity in the murders should be readily accessible the American public, not hidden away in an airless university archive.
The archive did not contain the following articles. When possible, the Museum will provide scanned copies of the articles.
March 01, 1993: 4 agents die in raid on cult; Standoff continues near Waco
March 01, 1993: Howell's revelation: Wounded sect leader, in rambling interview, says that he is Christ
March 02, 1993: Law officers close in on cult; Four more children released-- Leader's relatives plead for surrender
March 02, 1993: Experts say raid doomed from start; Firepower, element of surprise seen as lacking
March 02, 1993: Law officers close in on cult Divided Davidian: Kin call Koresh loving; others say he's a bully
March 02, 1993: Outgunned agents never had chance, experts say; Some see low-key approach as preferable
March 02, 1993: Cult's arsenal may be limited only by bankroll; `If you've got the money, you can get the guns,' expert says
March 02, 1993: Cult veers from mainstream in leader's claim of divinity
March 03, 1993: Broadcast of statement keeps media focus on KRLD-AM; TV stations differ on handling of Koresh talk simulcast
March 03, 1993: Negotiations with cult drag on; Released youngsters comforted
March 03, 1993: Negotiations with cult drag on: 14 may be dead in compound; Group's leader fails to give up as promised
March 03, 1993: Theologians doubt Koresh's address won many converts
March 03, 1993: Drama takes unusual twists: Sect's ex-leader denounces Koresh; movie agent pitches deal
March 03, 1993: Agency in charge is unclear; FBI, Treasury each has claim
March 04, 1993: Congressman says he forwarded letters about sect to FBI
March 04, 1993: Koresh's injury hard to assess; Doctor says sect leader in danger of infection
March 04, 1993: FBI: Cult leader said God told him to wait; U.S. agents seem ready for long wait
March 04, 1993: Agency says sect was tipped off; ATF defends actions in raid, confirms reports of telephone call defends
March 05, 1993: Agents say `positive' ties forged; But FBI doesn't hint standoff is almost over
March 05, 1993: FBI says its probe of sect inconclusive; Lawmakers' allegations spurred inquiry
March 05, 1993: U.S. agent in charge is veteran investigator
March 05, 1993: Defense lawyers discuss motives of 2 who surrendered: One woman had mission, the other wanted to keep her company attorneys say
March 06, 1993: Koresh tells negotiators he won't kill self, denies he's Christ
March 06, 1993: Getting the word out: Koresh characterized as `street-smart' in bid for worldwide publicity on religious message
March 07, 1993: Texas may have many extremist groups, cult experts say
March 07, 1993: Groups may prosper by offering security in rapidly changing world
March 07, 1993: Agency says tips on sect point to holy war; Public likely to be `stunned' by what may be in compound, official says
March 08, 1993: No visible means: Source of money for Davidian sect remains a mystery
March 08, 1993: Cult talks stalled; Agents say Koresh won't compromise
March 09, 1993: Experts assess significance of tanks' arrival; They believe sect may have anti-tank weapons, armor-piercing bullets
March 09, 1993: Koresh trying to provoke `war,' federal officials say; Agencies think sect has light anti-tank weapons
March 10, 1993: Gun dealer, Koresh called partners; Man apparently helped Branch Davidians purchase weapons legally
March 10, 1993: McLennan joins talks with cult leader
March 10, 1993: Cryptic sign at compound asks for help; FBI negotiators unable to explain members' plea
March 11, 1993: Negotiator for sect is called devout; Officials say he's taking `more dominant role'
March 11, 1993: Agents claim control; Man arrested outside cult site
March 11, 1993: Cult displays banner seeking talks with rights group
March 11, 1993: Officials flooded with tips, insights on Koresh, his message
March 12, 1993: Journalists' panel looks at ethics of coverage
March 12, 1993: Koresh preached violence, officials, ex-follower say; Names of sect members in compound released
March 13, 1993: Woman who left sect wanted to see kids
March 13, 1993: Lawyers complain of secrecy on U.S. documents about cult
March 13, 1993: 2 Branch Davidians leave compound, are detained; Action marks break in stalemate between agents, sect
March 14, 1993: Cult members refuse medical help, FBI says; Some may die from wounds without care, agent contends
March 14, 1993: Davidians in Missouri disavow Waco-area cult; Texas standoff disrupts group's pastoral life
March 14, 1993: FBI's `A-Team' plying varied skills in sect talks; But experts say obstacles numerous
March 15, 1993: Agents use light against sect as psychological maneuver; Attorney for jailed member says group's hardships growing
March 16, 1993: KEEPING WATCH: Gawkers, profit-seekers, proselytizers flock to hill near cult compound
March 16, 1993: Officials use secrecy as siege tactic
March 16, 1993: FBI officials are starting to boost pressure on cult; Negotiators refuse to discuss religion
March 17, 1993: FBI meets with cult leaders; Agents say no end to standoff seen
March 18, 1993: Inquiry of leak to cult shifts to news media; Officials believe call, meeting tipped off sect
March 18, 1993: Up to 30 in cult want to leave, FBI agent says; They seek agency's assurances
March 18, 1993: Teen-ager who left sect ordered held as material witness; Action may deter exits, lawyer says
March 19, 1993: FBI challenges Koresh to let followers leave; Leader apparently rejected release of 30 members
March 19, 1993: Bail set for sect member, but appeal delays release
March 20, 1993: 2 leave sect compound; Koresh talks to agents
March 20, 1993: Koresh wants standoff resolved, FBI says
March 21, 1993: Official cautiously optimistic cult standoff will end soon
March 21, 1993: Ideas vary on cults' appeal to women; Experts agree members face pressure to forsake kin, values
March 22, 1993: Release of 7 buoys hopes for end to cult standoff
March 23, 1993: Weekend hopes for end to cult siege are dashed
March 24, 1993: Media representatives assess news coverage of standoff near Waco
March 25, 1993: Between the lines: FBI uses briefings as tactical weapon
March 25, 1993: FBI grows impatient with talks; Cult's leader called cowardly by agent
March 26, 1993: Cult arms buildup described; Affidavit explains ATF raid, officials say
March 27, 1993: ATF official defends raid planning
March 28, 1993: Defining `cult' is no easy task, experts say; Other religious groups may also share certain traits
March 28, 1993: Agents warn of tighter security after infiltrations of cult compound
March 29, 1993: Sect member fears violent end to siege; Man, in hiding from ATF, denies cult has illegal weapons, drugs
March 30, 1993: Noted lawyer allowed into Davidians' compound for meeting; DeGuerin won't comment on 2-hour talk, calls it `a very sensitive situation'
March 31, 1993: Koresh attorney is accustomed to high-profile cases; He's known as intense, thorough
March 31, 1993: Koresh, attorney meet again; Officials hopeful impasse near end
April 01, 1993: Cult member's mom lauds involvement of lawyer in talks
April 01, 1993: Cult lawyers given more time; Counsel for Koresh says talks are going slowly
April 02, 1993: Lawyers await cult decision; Attorneys cite `significant progress' in talks with sect leaders
April 03, 1993: Officials cut off talks with Koresh
April 04, 1993: Diverse group rallies for Koresh's rights; Most differ with him but oppose U.S. actions
April 04, 1993: Cult negotiations turn to milk, other mundane items; Agents hope Passover brings a break in Branch Davidian impasse
April 05, 1993: Koresh's lawyer voices optimism
April 09, 1993: Hopes for sect surrender dim; Group discounts hope of post-Passover end to standoff
April 09, 1993: Sect dims hopes of surrender after Passover
April 10, 1993: Cult releases victims' names; FBI voices doubt about truth of sect's information
April 10, 1993: Koresh threatens in letter to smite his enemies, agents say
April 11, 1993: Freed cult children given help in coping; They may suffer from stress disorder after traumatic events, psychiatrist says
April 12, 1993: FBI thinks Koresh letter hints at fight, officials say; They say D.C. won't OK raid
April 13, 1993: Officials doubt standoff with cult will end soon ; Lawyers plan more talks with Branch Davidians
April 14, 1993: Koresh refuses lawyer's call; But attorney appears hopeful siege will end soon
April 15, 1993: No easy answers: Law authorities puzzle over methods to end Branch Davidian siege
April 15, 1993: Koresh lawyer details plan: He says cultist to give up after his prophesies are written
April 16, 1993: Cult report meets with skepticism; Officials aren't `holding their breath' for end to siege, agent says
April 17, 1993: Agents doubt Koresh will surrender soon
April 18, 1993: Man who had sneaked into compound leaves; FBI says Koresh lying to drag out standoff
April 19, 1993: U.S. agents clear debris outside cult compound
April 20, 1993: DEADLY INFERNO: FBI says cult torched compound; 26 believed dead
April 20, 1993: Evidence for many cases burned with compound, lawyer says
April 20, 1993: Cultists' lawyers accuse FBI of precipitating violent ending
April 20, 1993: Waco clergyman organizes `service of prayer and lament'
April 20, 1993: Vow of kids' safety Koresh's `final lie';Agent says children died despite pledge
April 20, 1993: Cult kids in state custody unaware of events, officials say
April 20, 1993: Sect members often frustrated agents; Criticism of standoff methods resurfaces
April 20, 1993: Witnesses stunned, horrified by fire's speed and intensity
April 20, 1993: FBI plan had Reno's approval; Goal was to force talks or evacuation, she says
April 20, 1993: Cult members' families seek answers to tragedy; `I just can't comprehend it,' relative says
April 20, 1993: Souvenir sales jump near cult compound as the end becomes clear
April 20, 1993: Cult's actions no surprise to religious experts
April 20, 1993: Waco embarrassed by image presented throughout world; `We're not all crazy,' resident says
April 20, 1993: Authorities say sect members are solely at fault for fatal fire
April 20, 1993: Television news showed horror of destruction
April 21, 1993: Dr. Rodney Crow's plan for recovering the Mt. Carmel remains
(Not included in the Dallas Morning News Waco archive)
Scanned copy of printApril 21, 1993: FBI partial list of Mt. Carmel residents
(Not included in the Dallas Morning News Waco archive)
Scanned copy of printApril 21, 1993: Cultists' prosecution will be challenging; Few similar cases were as tough, legal experts say
April 21, 1993: Koresh vowed not to give in; FBI bugged compound, heard plans (scanned copy)
April 21, 1993: Clinton pledges probe of siege; President blames Koresh for deaths, staunchly defends Reno
April 21, 1993: Koresh vowed not to give in; ATF cites Feb. 28 statement
April 21, 1993: Church service begins healing process for Waco area
April 21, 1993: Diplomats decline to fault FBI; Australian envoy pleased that Rangers to lead probe
April 21, 1993: Many officers making plans to head home; FBI dismantling command post
April 21, 1993: Grandmom defends Koresh
April 21, 1993: FBI agent tried to prod Koresh toward surrender
April 21, 1993: Waco students seem little affected by cult children's deaths
April 21, 1993: Parkland turns down offers of skin for burn victims
April 21, 1993: Koresh anticipated agents would face criticism after inferno, psychiatrist says
April 21, 1993: Editorial: Tragedy from start to finish
April 22, 1993: About 40 cultists' bodies found in rubble; 3 apparently shot, officials say
April 22, 1993: Cultist's lawyer criticizes Tarrant medical examiner
(Not included in the Dallas Morning News Waco archive)
Scanned copy of printApril 22, 1993: Report given to FBI predicted `fiery ending' to cult standoff
April 22, 1993: Frank X. Leahy's "prediction" of a Davidian fiery suicide
(Not included in the Dallas Morning News Waco archive)
Scanned copy of printApril 23, 1993: Branch Davidian tragedy haunts McLennan sheriff
April 23, 1993: Pathologist says no bullet wounds found on cultists
April 23, 1993: Former compound site is barren, stark, colorless; Vegetation has been scraped away
April 23, 1993: Reno hopes for lessons on future confrontations; `Nonlethal means' of coping sought
April 23, 1993: Author of report on cult has long criminal record; Man had predicted fiery end to standoff
Note: The man identified in this story is Frank X. Leahy, from April 21 story, above. According to that story, he is husband of Joyce Sparks, the social worker who has been the official expert on the treatment of the Davidian children. Joyce Sparks testified at the 1995 congressional hearings. Under the circumstances, Leahy is a remarkable choice as an expert advisor to the FBI.April 23, 1993: No gunshot wounds found yet on cultists
April 24, 1993: Compound inspected; Cult child-abuse allegations called unproven
April 25, 1993: 53 bodies found so far at cult site; official says 2 have gun wounds
April 25, 1993: Negotiations with Koresh called one-sided, laborious
April 25, 1993: Apocalypse Now? Not to worry ... just yet
April 26, 1993: Life getting back to normal in Waco; Officers sift rubble for clues
April 26, 1993: Mailman tied to tip on cult is first victim identified
April 27, 1993: Cult member's lawyer seeks new pathologist for autopsies
(Not included in the Dallas Morning News Waco archive)
Scanned copy of printApril 28, 1993: Officials recover 5 bodies from Branch Davidian bunker
April 29, 1993: Reno testifies on siege; She says tear gas was only acceptable option
April 29, 1993: Autopsies so far show gunshots killed 5 cultists; Number in fire appears smaller than first thought
April 30, 1993: Some in ATF feel betrayed by Treasury Department
April 30, 1993: Brooks' remarks on attacking cult get inadvertent audience
April 30, 1993: Final death toll in compound may be 72, authorities say
May 01, 1993: Remains may be those of Koresh, sheriff says
Note: This story chronicles the the destruction of the concrete room (the alleged site of death of dozens of the residents) within two weeks of the alleged date of deaths. The destruction prevented any further investigation of the evidence.May 03, 1993: Authorities identify Koresh's remains; He died of gunshoot wound in head
May 05, 1993: Agents tell of weary job at cult site, sifting ruins difficult
May 05, 1993: 4 bodies found in tunnels; Officials think they were killed in raid
May 06, 1993: Relatives mourn for cult victims, struggle to fathom disaster
May 06, 1993: Officials: At least 15 cult bodies had gunshot wounds
May 07, 1993: Siege prompts new media policy, limits on advance notice of action
May 08, 1993: Private memorial service today for ATF agents killed in cult raid
May 09, 1993: Agents return to Waco to mourn slain comrades
May 09, 1993: JPs in spotlight after cult deaths
May 12, 1993: Top Koresh aides died near him, authorities say
May 12, 1993: Cultist's dad frustrated by search for son's body
May 13, 1993: ATF agent says he saw disaster loom, doubts psychological wounds will heal
May 14, 1993: Doctor says at least 22 in cult were shot
May 15, 1993: Cult property quarantined; officials site sewage, vermin
May 16, 1993: Branch Davidians living and dead: Who are they?
May 18, 1993: Senate panel expected to look into cult probe
May 21, 1993: Memorial honors ATF agents, cult-raid sacrifices
May 23, 1993: Treasury investigation of cult raid to include role of media
May 26, 1993: Files detail evidence of huge cult arsenal
June 06, 1993: ATF faces more questions from Congress
June 10, 1993: 911 tape released in ATF raid; Cult member says agents shot first
June 10, 1993: Transcript of 911 call details first moments of cult siege
June 11, 1993: ATF commanders erred in cult raid, panel chief says
June 12, 1993: 911 tapes log pleading officials, hostile cultists
June 15, 1993: Waco dispatch chief assails 911 tape of cult talks
June 17, 1993: FBI set to reveal today whether release of Koresh tape violated policy
June 23, 1993: Tapes show ATF unsure of casualties after firefight
June 29, 1993: U.S. to help identify cult members' bodies
June 30, 1993: FBI agent criticized for releasing cult 911 tape
(There are no stories in this archive for July, 1993)
August 07, 1993: 12 Branch Davidians indicted in Feb. 28 shootout
August 13, 1993: Tapes tied to cult indictments
August 14, 1993: ATF raid secrecy is alleged
August 28, 1993: TV cameraman admits his words tipped off cult
August 29, 1993: Branch Davidian site draws tourists, controversy six months after raid
September 04, 1993: FBI agent suggests top aide killed Koresh
September 10, 1993: ATF chief defends raid commanders; Denies they lacked training for Waco case
September 26, 1993: Key review may spur ATF fallout
September 28, 1993: ATF chief announces retirement, cites raid probe, proposals for FBI merger
October 01, 1993: Report plays star role at court hearing
October 01, 1993: 5 ATF officials suspended after cult raid review, accused of deception
October 02, 1993: Report on FBI actions in raid on cult delayed
October 03, 1993: 2 key ATF officials faulted in review of cult siege resign
October 03, 1993: Bureau had trained months for raid
October 04, 1993: Behavior experts blast FBI over cult
October 08, 1993: Cult wiretaps won't be released
October 09, 1993: Siege chronology reveals frustrations, disagreements
October 09, 1993: Report blames Koresh; FBI cleared in raid that led to deaths
October 09, 1993: FBI failed to weigh cult's beliefs, outside report says
October 11, 1993: Writings of Koresh analyzed; FBI, sect defenders clash over meaning
February 25, 2018: How the 1993 Waco standoff began with a bloody gunbattle that federal agents now regret (cached)
- Article caption: "The raid 25 years ago would leave a painful reckoning for federal law enforcement agents. Four agents and five Davidians died the day the 51-day siege started. By the end, more than 80 were dead and America was forever changed."
- The article includes four sound recordings alleged to be from the initial raid on February 28, 1993.
February 27, 2018: Breaking through the myths surrounding the 1993 Branch Davidian raid (cached )
- Article caption: "Questions and conspiracy theories still shadow the Branch Davidian tragedy. It began unfolding 25 years ago Wednesday with a failed raid by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on the sect's compound near Waco."
- The article includes an embedded video of Lee Hancock, the reporter who wrote most of the original stories on the Davidians for the Dallas Morning News, interviewing an ATF agent who participated in the assault.
February 27, 2018: 51 days under siege: A timeline of the Branch Davidian standoff (cached)
- Article caption: "Twenty-five years ago Wednesday, 76 agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms raided the Branch Davidians' property near Waco to arrest their leader, David Koresh, and search for evidence that the sect was making and stockpiling illegal machine guns, grenades and other armaments."
- The article includes an embedded video of Timothy McVeigh at Waco
January 24, 2018: Flashback: While Waco's Branch Davidian compound siege raged on, hawkers and opportunists swarmed (cached)
- Article caption: "For many, the siege at Mount Carmel, the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, was a real-life nightmare. For hucksters who swarmed the perimeter of the compound, however, it was a golden opportunity."
February 27, 2003 : 'I don't think it should be forgotten': Branch Davidians remember the Waco raid (cached)
- Article caption: "On Feb. 28, 1993, more than 75 ATF agents rolled onto the property in two cattle trucks and launched a military-style raid to search the complex for illegal arms and arrest sect leader David Koresh, 33, on weapons charges."
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Many people who distrust the mainstream media have turned to alternate news sources, some of which are Internet based. Unfortunately, many of these alternate sources of news simply promote an alternate series of lies. These alternate lies are of course dressed up as "exposés." But you can easily tell the phonies from the real thing. The information in the Waco Holocaust Electronic Museum is an acid test.
Remember, since ancient times, inquiries into questionable deaths have started with the bodies of the victims. If your news source won't give you an honest and full account of the forensic information on Waco, or if it does not have a link to the Waco Holocaust Electronic Museum ... your alternate news has failed a fundamental acid test.
