Topic: Atf Raid

Clive Doyle describes the morning of the initial raid, noting that the community was caught by surprise while having breakfast. He claims that David Koresh attempted to speak with authorities at the front door before gunfire erupted from the outside. Doyle highlights testimony from the San Antonio trial suggesting agents failed to bring the search warrant they were purportedly there to serve.

Paul Fatta recalls being at a gun and trade show in Austin, Texas, on February 28, 1993, the day the ATF raid began. Upon returning to Waco, he found the perimeter sealed by federal agents and was unable to reach the Mount Carmel property. He describes monitoring the situation via radio, speaking to the media, and eventually being featured on America's Most Wanted.

Catherine Madison provides a first-hand account of the initial ATF raid, describing the arrival of two large cattle trailers and three helicopters in V-formation. She recounts seeing the helicopters firing at the north side of the building and David Koresh's room. Madison describes the terror of being on the second floor as the aircraft circled the building, forcing her to take cover on the floor to avoid being hit.

James Pate reveals a classified Army document from Major Philip W. Lindley, a JAG officer, which characterized the ATF's plan as a mission against "civilian targets" rather than a standard warrant service. He names four Green Berets present during the raid—Chris Dunn, Warren Ackley, Bob Morland, and John Wilson—and alleges that military lawyers warned the involvement crossed legal lines.

Catherine Madison recounts the initial ATF raid on February 28, 1993, describing the arrival of vehicles and the subsequent firing from helicopters. She details the deaths of Winston Blake and Jaydean Wendel, who were reportedly shot while in their beds or tending to children. The account emphasizes the terror of the residents as bullets penetrated the building's walls and ceilings while women shielded their children on the floor.

On February 28, 1993, David Jones encountered media members who revealed that a major police action was imminent at Mount Carmel. This information was relayed to David Koresh while he was with undercover agent Robert Rodriguez. Contrary to reports of a 45-minute armed ambush, Koresh reportedly instructed followers to remain calm and stay in their rooms while he attempted to speak with the arriving agents at the front door.