Waco Rising

More about the book

In 1993, David Koresh and armed evangelical Christians confronted the US government in a two-month siege at their Waco, Texas compound, culminating in a tragic firefight that claimed seventy-six lives, including twenty-five children. Kevin Cook, known for uncovering truths behind historical events, provides a comprehensive account of this pivotal moment in American history. He explores Koresh's dangerous charisma and the dynamics within the Branch Davidian community, where he positioned himself as a messianic figure, fathering seventeen children with multiple "wives." Cook utilizes previously unreported material to detail the FBI's fifty-one-day siege, offering insights into the Clinton administration's decision to authorize a lethal assault. This definitive narrative reveals how Waco became a flashpoint for American extremism, with Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh stating, "Waco started this war." Drawing from diverse sources, including Branch Davidian survivors and the FBI's lead negotiator, Cook connects the events of Waco to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the ongoing threat of future insurrections, highlighting the lasting impact of this tragic confrontation on American society.