On February 28, 1993, the FBI initiated a siege of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, after an investigation into the groups activities, including illegal weapons possession. The siege escalated into a violent confrontation, with 76 people, including the groups leader David Koresh, eventually dying when the compound was destroyed by fire. The standoff became a national and international media spectacle, drawing criticism of the FBIs handling of the operation. The tragedy highlighted tensions over religious freedom, government intervention, and the use of force by law enforcement. In the years following, the Waco siege became a symbol for anti-government militias and movements in the United States.