Between February and April 1993, a 51-day standoff between armed federal agents and religious zealots at a ranch outside of Waco riveted the world’s attention. The siege turned the word Waco – unfairly many would say – into a synonym for wacko.
The event was, by any definition, a tragedy, as 76 people including Branch Davidian leader David Koresh, died when the group’s compound became engulfed in flames. To this day a definitive explanation of what happened at the compound is still debated, but this much is certain – there will be another movie and a TV series about the event.
Carl Hoover, entertainment editor for the Waco-Tribune Herald, says Waco residents still reject the connection others try to make between their town and the Branch Davidians, and that his town wants to tell a more positive story.
“A lot of it is just shrugs of resignation. ‘Oh yeah, again. Here we go.’ And others are like ‘why are they picking on Waco,'” Hoover says.
What you’ll hear in this segment:
– Where the Branch Davidian siege actually happened
– How Waco is reacting to the new focus on the 1993 tragedy
– How perceptions of the tragedy have changed in Waco over time
– What other media events define the city
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
