David Koresh, the FBI, and the Birth of America's Modern Militias
October 3, 2022
Journalist Cook (The Burning Blue) offers a fast-paced if sketchy account of the deadly 51-day showdown between the U.S. government and members of the Branch Davidian religious sect in 1993. Drawing from extensive interviews with surviving group members, Cook is at his strongest when discussing the day-to-day life of the Davidians under their unstable, self-appointed prophet, David Koresh. But the book’s account of the standoff, which began in a shoot-out when ATF agents attempted to seize weapons stockpiled at the Davidians’ compound in Waco, Tex., lacks some critical perspective: Cook cites survivor testimony to suggest that Koresh was sincere about ending the standoff in the next few days, despite having already broken his promises to the FBI once, and had no intention of manufacturing “a repeat of the mass dying at Jonestown” (in the words of an FBI spokesman), despite evidence that he and his followers intentionally fueled and set the fire that killed 76 sect members. Cook also relies on FBI negotiator Gary Noesner, who was abruptly replaced during the standoff, to support the claim that the agents who took over “deceived” attorney general Janet Reno into authorizing the raid on the compound. Though Cook does reveal inconsistencies and misrepresentations in government accounts, this rehash sacrifices nuance for drama.
May 1, 2023
Thirty years after the deadly standoff outside of Waco, TX, a community still reels from the repercussions. The Branch Davidians' suspected child abuse, polygamy, and illegal gun activities attracted the attention of the ATF, and the ensuing 51-day siege ended tragically with the deaths of 76 people. Award-winning author and journalist Cook (The Burning Blue) combines new research from interviews with survivors, officers, and academic specialists and archival information from books, news coverage, and government documents to provide a fresh, provocative assessment of the conflict. This thoughtful examination covers events leading up to the Waco catastrophe, chronological details of the siege, and a discussion of the aftermath. While showing empathy for the Branch Davidians who believed in leader David Koresh's prophesied apocalypse, Cook presents an evenhanded look at the history, political climate, and personalities that precipitated the disastrous culmination. Narrator Gary Tiedemann gives a personable performance, allowing listeners to absorb the information without overshadowing the humanity of those involved. Though perfectly paced and conversational, Tiedemann often adds a surprisingly light, though not disrespectful, note to this most serious subject. VERDICT A powerful book that challenges listeners to re-examine the events at Waco and the ramifications of willful misunderstanding, posturing, and aggression.--Lisa Youngblood
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