stuckmiddle.substack.com/p/the-trump-rally-in-waco-is-not-about
1 correction found
tried to act on weapons and sexual abuse charges
The ATF raid was to execute firearms-related warrants, not "sexual abuse charges." Contemporary official records say the warrant was for violations of federal firearms laws, while a later DOJ review said the child-abuse evidence was insufficient to establish probable cause to indict.
Full reasoning
Official records from the Waco investigation do not support the claim that ATF moved against David Koresh on sexual-abuse charges.
- ATF’s own timeline states that on February 25, 1993, a federal magistrate issued "an arrest warrant for Koresh for violating federal firearms laws and a warrant to search both the Mag Bag and the compound for evidence of that crime."
- A congressional report on the Waco investigation likewise says ATF opened a formal investigation into illegal firearms and explosive devices and then obtained an arrest warrant and a search warrant based on that investigation.
- The Justice Department’s later child-abuse report says historical evidence of abuse existed, but it was "insufficient to establish probable cause to indict or proof beyond a reasonable doubt to convict."
So while sexual-abuse allegations were part of the broader background and were mentioned in investigative materials, the ATF action that began the siege was not to serve "sexual abuse charges." It was to execute firearms-related warrants.
3 sources
- ATF: Timeline of Events
On February 25, 1993, a U.S. Magistrate-Judge issued an arrest warrant for Koresh for violating federal firearms laws and a warrant to search both the Mag Bag and the compound for evidence of that crime.
- House Report 104-749: Investigation Into the Activities of Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Toward the Branch Davidians
The ATF opened a formal investigation into allegations that the Branch Davidians were in possession of illegal firearms and explosive devices, and later sought and received an arrest warrant for Koresh and a warrant to search the residence.
- DOJ: Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas: Child Abuse
Historical evidence suggested that Koresh had engaged in child physical and sexual abuse ... This evidence was insufficient to establish probable cause to indict or proof beyond a reasonable doubt to convict.