Waco: The Rules of Engagement

In 1993, a 51-day standoff in Waco, Texas, between US law enforcement and the religious sect known as the Branch Davidians resulted in the deaths of more than 75 members of the group and four federal agents. Led by David Koresh, the group had its compound raided after the government suspected that it was stockpiling illegal weapons.

However, when taking a closer look at the siege conducted by law enforcement agencies, it can be argued that there may have been gross negligence on the part of the US government in its decision to attack a religious cult that, while widely viewed as strange, may have been a peaceful community of men, women, and children seeking to practise their beliefs without outside interference.

Waco: The Rules of Engagement documents the siege through interviews with surviving members, law enforcement officials, scholars, and investigators, and includes FBI negotiation tapes and Davidian home video footage. The film presents a disturbing picture of law enforcement actions and accuses the FBI of shooting its way into the Davidian headquarters.