Topic: Cattle Trailers

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.

Disputes remain regarding the use of a .50 caliber Barrett semi-automatic rifle by the Davidians during the February 28 raid. Survivors argue that if they were a suicide cult, they would have massacred agents at close range rather than allowing them to retreat. Analysis of bullet holes in ATF cattle trucks suggested some rounds originated from directions away from the compound, leading to theories of accidental friendly fire among agents.