On the morning of February 28, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms arrived with close to 100 agents to serve a warrant for illegal firearms in what they called Operation Trojan Horse. What followed was one of the worst firefights in law enforcement history, as agents of the ATF faced off with a heavily armed group known as the Branch Davidians. Two hours later, four ATF agents and six Branch Davidians would lay dead. The FBI soon assumed control of the confrontation, engaging the Branch Davidians in 51-day standoff. Three sides quickly emerged in the chaos. On one side were the Branch Davidians who claimed they were being unfairly persecuted for their beliefs. Directly opposed were the FBI HRT tactical teams who believed that they were facing off with a cult of cop killers and child molesters. Somewhere in between, a team of FBI negotiators were pleading with both sides, desperately trying to avoid what would become a tragic ending. What is the psychological effect of an increasingly militarized police force on citizens? Can a tremendous show of force ever lead to a peaceful resolution? What lessons did the FBI and ATF learn from this tragedy? Join us as Drs. Micono and Morelos explore the siege at Waco Part 2: The “Good” Guys.
Episode 25 - Waco Part 2: The "Good" Guys | Psychology After Dark podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
