“Waco: American Apocalypse” reflects on the tragedy in Texas 30 years later Entertainment

You can’t take your eyes off Waco: American Apocalypse, a gripping three-part re-enactment of the tragedy that took place outside of Waco, Texas in 1993.

After a 51-day siege on the premises of the cult-like religious group Branch Davidian, 82 parishioners, including 25 children, died in flames, apparently at the behest of their leader David Koresh.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Netflix)

An arrest warrant had been issued for Koresh, whose group was hoarding illegal weapons. Word came that he was detaining other Davidians for having sex with women and girls. An attempt to apprehend him resulted in four agents being killed in a shootout. When asked if he trusted in the Lord, Koresh replied, “I am the Lord.”

But this amazing series also points to bungling by the FBI agents in charge, who turned a powder keg situation into something explosive. One agent was “brutally honest about the [bureau’s] Mistakes” in interviews, recalls director Tiller Russell. Some 30 years later, the debate about rights in relation to guns and God continues. Russell says, “When the story is at its most compelling…it holds up a mirror to who we are today.”

Waco: American Apocalypse, premieres Wednesday, March 22, Netflix

More headlines:

Source