Waco (2018): Season 1, Episode 6 - Day 51 - full transcript
The standoff at the Mount Carmel compound comes to a violent and tragic end.
-[gunfire in distance]
-[drums playing]
[baby crying]
[girl screaming]
-[Gary] Still nothing?
-They're still not answering.
-[Gary] But you've been...
-Yeah, calling every 30 minutes,
just like you asked.
They haven't answered in days.
How long we gonna keep trying?
Let me make sure
I'm getting this right.
David Koresh
believes the opening
of the fifth seal begins
-when Babylon, the ATF...
-Mm-hm.
-...attacks
the "peculiar people."
-Right, the Branch Davidians.
Then there's a quote.
"Little season of waiting."
Yes, that's what they believe
they're in right now.
And that little season
culminates in a second round
of bloodshed
-in which
the rest of them are killed.
-Exactly.
[James] But where this
gets interesting
is the interpretation
of the little season.
Um, in Biblical terms,
that could be a month
or a decade.
It's not specific.
And the word "season"
in the Bible is a translation
of the Greek word "kairos,"
-which actually means...
-Time.
..."time" more than "season."
So, you can think of it
like "right time" versus
a literal season.
These people are not crazy.
David Koresh is not crazy.
His theology follows
a coherent logic.
Agree with it or not,
there's something to it.
[Ron] If you say so,
I believe you. Uh...
Let's open up this conversation
to some callers.
Uh, Derek, you're on the air.
Hey, Ron. Say, I'm, uh--
I'm one of the camera guys
that's standing out here
watching Mount Carmel.
Something occurred to me.
You know how the Branch
Davidians
have no way of communicating
with the outside world?
I've been thinking.
There's this huge satellite
dish on their roof.
I mean, if we can somehow
get them to listen to your show,
we can ask 'em
"yes or no" questions
and they could move the dish
to answer, right?
-Thibs.
-[Steve] Go, go.
Go.
[Ron] That's not a bad idea.
I guess the question
would then be,
"How do we get them
to listen to my show?"
Whoa.
Ron, they just moved it.
They moved the dish.
-[chuckles]
-[Ron] They did?
Again!
[Ron] Are you guys
listening to me in there?
Again! Come on, Thibs!
[Derek chuckles]
They moved it again.
-[Ron] That's a "yes."
-We have communications!
-[Ron] That's a "yes."
Um, hi, guys...
-We have communications.
-[chuckles]
-[Ron] Is there anything
you need?
My name is Dick DeGuerin.
David Koresh's lawyer.
Jack Zimmerman.
Steve Schneider's lawyer.
We'd like to speak
with our clients.
-Ron Engelman, KGBS.
-[scoffs] You can't be serious.
You expect me to, what,
just let you walk up there
and knock on the front door?
[Dick] We filed a writ
of habeas corpus.
That only applies
when someone's in custody.
Well, if they're not in custody,
we'll arrange transportation
so they can leave.
They haven't even asked
for a lawyer.
Yes, they have.
They're asking
for their lawyers in front
of the whole world. Now...
what do you think's
gonna happen to you when
this whole case is dismissed...
because you refused them
the right to counsel?
David, they're coming.
[knocking on door]
ATF claim that
you shot at them first
through those front doors,
but the metal bends inward.
They claim their helicopters
didn't fire,
but the holes in Jaydean's room
are clearly from above.
We have recordings,
the 911s, Wayne made
of you trying to surrender.
Trust me on this, gentlemen,
any jury sees this at all,
you got a hell of a case
for self-defense here.
This is the U.S. government
we're up against,
and you're sitting here
telling me we're gonna get
a fair shake?
The government
doesn't sit on the jury.
People like y'all do.
[Dick] Let me ask you this.
If you were on that jury
and you saw that front door,
what would your verdict be?
What's the plan?
What's the strategy here?
The plan is we go for
full acquittal.
Full acquittal?
[sighs]
-[David] Thanks again.
-We'll be in touch.
You realize
we're standing outside.
I know.
What do you think?
The theologian
on the radio show,
the little season...
the camera man calling in,
the satellite...
the lawyers...
All of this doesn't happen
by chance.
Come on.
-[phone ringing]
-[Walter] Gary!
-[grunts]
-[ringing continues]
[clears throat] Hello?
-Hello? Hello?
-[David] Gary?
Oh, David. I have to say
I've missed the sound
of your voice, brother.
-What's going on?
-Something special happened
today, Gary.
Something I can't see
as anything short of a miracle.
What are you saying?
I got my sign from God, Gary.
We're coming out.
But first,
I want to protect the message
that we have going on in here.
So, when I go to jail,
I can spend all my time
answering the stupid questions.
Like, "Why do you have
so many wives in there?"
and "Why are you
torturing babies?"
'Cause once I finish writing
those seven seals,
I will personally walk out
that front door,
and you can throw me
in the jailhouse and come on
down and feed me bananas
for all you want.
I'll come feed you
anything you like.
How long will it take you
to write it?
Oh, I'm thinking a week,
a week or so.
Are you telling me
that once you have reduced
your version of the seven seals
to written form,
that you and all your people
are coming out of there?
I have no reason
to draw this out
any longer, Gary.
Please answer the question
definitively.
Are you coming out
as soon as you're done?
Gary, I'm going to fulfill
my commitment to God.
Now, if you would allow me
to show you what has been
pre-written by the prophets,
you'll have
a way better understanding
of what's going on in here.
I am asking you
a very simple question, David.
-I need--
-I'm gonna give you
a very simple answer.
Yes, yes, yes!
We have no intention
of dying in here, Gary.
Okay, David.
Well, I'm gonna let you
get to work
because, frankly,
I am eagerly awaiting
that manuscript.
Well, I tell you what.
It's gonna blow
your socks off, Gary.
My concern is...
-we gotta make sure
that their field...
-They're surrendering.
We're gonna work out
the details of the surrender
while David writes down
his interpretation
of the seven seals.
-Then they'll come out.
-How long is that gonna take?
-They're guessing a week.
-Tell them to take a few
extra days.
Maybe knock out his memoirs
while he's at it.
I just got off the phone
with the man, okay?
He told me,
"I never intended
to die in here."
Those are his words,
okay? But...
Koresh's biggest fear
is being silenced
before he can share his message
with the world.
If we let him write it,
he will come out peacefully.
It's just another stall tactic.
You're not taking this
seriously, are you?
Mitch,
we've been here six weeks.
What's one more?
-I know
how long we've been here.
-One more.
All right, Gary,
start working out
the details of surrender,
and let's see if it happens.
I can buy you one week.
Yeah, thanks. Yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
Excuse me. Everyone, listen up.
I've got some news.
David's received
a sign from God.
We're working out
a plan to surrender.
It's over.
It's all over.
Oh! Oh, God!
It's gonna be okay.
I'm ready.
-Strange, indeed...
-[typing]
...for the judgment of man,
for who knows within himself
that his judgment be true?
[Dick] Steve Schneider
will then deliver the manuscript
of the seven seals
to the theologian James Tabor.
Once the manuscript
is delivered to Tabor,
David Koresh
will leave the building,
either by foot or on stretcher,
followed by those remaining
on the inside.
How do we know
the place isn't rigged
with bombs?
I don't want my men
getting blown up
when they search the place.
Mitch, why the hell would they
put bombs in their own house?
I'll be the last one
out of the building, and...
the Texas Rangers
will be the ones
to secure the scene,
not you,
to protect the evidence.
-Not acceptable.
-Non-negotiable.
If you wanted them to trust you,
you shouldn't have tortured 'em.
We'll accept those conditions.
Good.
[Michelle] Hey.
-Hungry?
-[chuckles] Starving...
for anything
but those disgusting things.
First thing I'm gonna eat
when I get out of here...
a whole box of fish sticks.
-[laughs]
-Yeah.
Do you think
you'll go to jail...
once this is done?
Yeah.
Probably for a little while.
Do you think I'll go to jail?
No.
No, that would be crazy.
My idea of crazy
has been changing.
-[both laugh]
-Yeah.
But, hey...
when I get out of jail...
I think I could look you up.
Give you a call.
You won't have to.
I'll be
standing outside the jail,
waiting to drive you home.
And I saw, in his right hand
that sat on the throne,
a book written
within and on the backside,
sealed with seven seals...
David, I gotta stop.
My finger's really
hurting here. [groans]
And I saw a strong angel...
proclaim with a loud voice,
"Who is worthy to open the book?
And to loose its seals?"
-[typing]
-[David] And no man in heaven...
nor on earth,
nor under the earth...
Honestly...
how real do you think
this Koresh manuscript is?
I-I think it's real.
-Have you seen any of it yet?
-No, they haven't sent
anything out.
Has anyone in there seen in it?
Nobody's seen it,
but he's working on it
day and night, apparently.
Like, have I read
the manuscript personally? No.
-But...
I know he's working on it.
-[David] Strange, indeed...
[Gary] All right, Steve,
I need you to send me some pages
to show my bosses
that you and I are
working towards a resolution.
Because right now,
they think David is stalling.
-[Steve sighs] I can try, but--
-To avoid them making
any hasty decisions.
Do you understand me?
-[David]
...who knows within himself...
-[Judy typing]
Yeah. Yeah, I understand.
We'll send out some pages.
I'll talk to David.
Hey, where'd Prince go?
He left with Decker.
Wh-Where?
I think they headed
to the airport.
...saying with a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain to receive honor
and power and glory--"
-David--
-"...and strength.
-Wisdom--"
-I need to talk to you.
I need your permission
to send out some of
the manuscript pages.
-No, it's not ready.
-[scoffs]
David, Gary has got to
show his bosses that we are
really doing something here.
We have to send out some pages.
Steve, last time I rushed it,
the message wasn't ready.
And finally, I've received
the word of God.
And this is gonna be
the most sacred revelation
in human history.
-It's gotta be right!
-I know, but I am telling you--
And I'm telling you
you'll get it when it's done!
Because under him and for him...
all things were created.
[Reno] You're telling me
you've exhausted every other
possible option?
Negotiations
have reached an impasse,
Madam Attorney General.
You're asking me
to sign off on an assault that
would put children in danger.
I wouldn't call it an assault.
Once we insert
tear gas into the compound,
they'll come right out.
I thought you said
they all had gas masks in there.
Nobody makes a gas mask
that'll fit children.
Once those mothers
see those kids' eyes
watering like that,
game over.
[Reno] Wouldn't that hurt them?
We believe
it's the best option available.
Our intelligence shows
they continue to abuse
those children while we wait.
There's no other way
to end this?
I'm afraid it's the only way.
-Let me take this
to the president.
-Thank you, Madam General.
[indistinct radio chatter]
There are barrels of CS gas
out there.
This thing needs to be brought
to a logical conclusion.
CS gas is banned
by the Geneva Convention.
It would be a war crime
to use CS gas on a terrorist.
And you think it's
a logical conclusion to use it
on American women and children?
You've had almost two months
to work this out.
And you failed.
What do you mean I failed?
We have a deal for surrender!
Yeah, I know.
All right. Hey! Walter!
Get him on the phone!
-[Gary] Now!
-[Walter] Yeah.
-Hello?
-[Gary] Steve, it's been a week.
You told me you were gonna
get me some pages.
-[sighs] I know, but David--
-Nuh-uh, uh-uh!
I need the pages.
Gary, David really
wants to get this right
before he sends--
I don't give a shit
what David wants anymore!
I need those pages!
The last time
he sent out a message,
he was embarrassed,
and you saw how that turned out.
Why not give him
the time that he needs
so that he can get it right?
We don't have time anymore.
Get me the pages now, Steve.
I am trying to help you people,
but you make it so goddamn hard.
-Do you have any idea what is--?
-[line beeping]
Hello?
Steve?
You've gotten
a little too close to this one.
I'm sending you home.
Uh-uh, I'm not leaving.
[Mitch] Gary...
Please don't make me
have my guys do it.
You cannot remove these people
by force.
The more you push them,
the more they think it is
a test of their faith.
You've been wrong
about a whole lot of things
on this one, Gary.
Don't do it, Tony.
Don't go in there with gas.
This isn't your fight
any longer, Gary.
All right.
Let's pack it up.
They asked me to stay.
Oh.
[Gary] Oh, Jesus.
You know...
before this...
before all the tanks
and psy-ops and guns...
and cruelty...
and bullshit...
do you know how they kept order
in Waco?
Do you know how they kept
the Branch Davidians in line?
They talked to 'em!
The local sheriff
doesn't even carry a sidearm.
He doesn't need one.
But you people...
Look at yourselves! All this!
All this!
You think
this is really working?
Good luck.
David,
it's the FBI on the phone.
I've agreed to everything.
But they won't stop.
It sounds important.
-Gary?
-No, it's Walter.
Gary's been reassigned.
Reassigned? Why?
David, I need to tell you
that my bosses have run out
of patience with you.
Every day, we try
and show you men good faith,
but all you want to do is fight.
I'm tired.
I don't wanna fight no more.
I'm a life.
Everyone in here is a life.
We've got children.
We're American citizens.
But we all have
our breaking point.
You brought yourself
to that breaking point, David.
If you'd walked out on that day
as you promised,
by now,
you'd probably be out on bail
for God's sake!
We both know that's not true.
You got your guys out here
removing evidences,
you say you're the government,
you wanna settle this
in a court of law,
but I don't believe it anymore!
Are you covering up for the ATF?
Because it appears that way,
Walter.
-We're not
removing evidence, David.
-You are removing evidences!
And there's things in here
that we can't replace!
Like that '68 SS El Camino!
You can't replace that!
They don't make those anymore!
I don't really have control
over that, David.
It's wrong,
and you're doing wrong
by God and by man,
and every day,
you're adding to your wrong!
-David, you're the one
who's doing wrong.
-No, no, no, no!
No!
David, you seem to have
no concern
about anybody within
that place except yourself!
Walter, please tell me...
what is it you men really want?
We want you and everyone else
in that place to come out
safely.
Well, you're not showing me
that that's what you want.
Because I believe
you want just the opposite.
That's not true, David.
Your commanders are fixing
to ruin the safety of me
and my children,
my life, the lives of my wives,
the lives of my family,
the lives of my friends.
You all are fixing
to step across that ribbon,
and you know it!
Walter,
if you want to place this
in the history books
as one of the saddest days
the world's ever known...
then that's on you.
-David...
-[hangs up]
[electronic distortion,
pulsation]
[man shouting in distance]
[phone ringing]
[ringing continues]
Hello?
[Walter] I need to speak
to Steve right away.
Steve! Steve!
Tanks are coming right at us!
Shit!
This is Steve.
[Walter] Steve, we
are going to insert
tear gas into your building.
-What?
-This is not an assault.
We are not
entering your building.
-Do not fire your weapon.
-No.
-If you fire,
fire will be returned.
-No, no!
-No, we had
a deal for surrender!
-This is not an assault.
We had a deal!
Son of a bitch!
Everyone,
get your gas masks! Now!
David?
-David, wake up.
-Hm?
-They're gonna gas us.
-What? Gas us?
[Steve] I mean they're coming
with gas.
-All right,
get Walter back on the phone.
-No, it cut off.
Cut off?
What do you mean "cut off"?
I got mad,
and I ripped out the phone.
-Why would you do that, Steve?
-They're done talking!
Okay, then, men in the chapel,
women in the vault.
We need to wet the blankets
to protect the children
-from the gas, okay?
-No, no, we gotta get out
of here.
They're trying to stop me
from getting the message out,
okay?
-I need more time.
-David, we gotta leave.
Stay with me, okay?
Stay with me!
Let's keep moving!
-I need to use that PA!
-I can't authorize--
I'm authorizing it!
This is not an assault.
The siege is over now.
The gas you will be smelling
is a non-lethal tear gas.
Exit the compound now.
You will not be harmed.
This is not an assault.
Michelle! Michelle!
Get to the vault!
Go, go, go! Go!
[women screaming]
[Walter over PA]
This is not an assault.
Exit the compound now.
Come on, let's go.
Come on, let's go.
Come on. Come on.
Put this on your face, okay?
-Okay.
-Where are you going?
Don't leave us.
Stay safe. I'll come back, okay?
I'll come back.
[sobbing]
It's okay.
Get back.
[Walter speaking indistinctly
over PA]
[man on TV] ...has been
standing by in Waco, Texas
for the entire duration
of the standoff.
-She joins us now live.
-[woman] John, about
five minutes ago,
we saw tanks continuing
to batter the compound,
continuing to put gaping holes
into the walls of the structure.
We saw what looked like white,
wispy smoke coming out,
which usually is indicative
of tear gas.
The FBI has told us that they
are using non-lethal gas...
[voice fading out]
-[woman screaming]
-[baby crying]
Rachel?
Oh, my God! Rachel!
[Rachel sobbing]
Put your hands--
Put your hands here.
Judy, get the kids--
get the kids out of here.
Put your hands here.
I'm gonna pull your body out.
-Both of your hands, Rachel.
-I can't! Stop--
[both grunting]
-[sobbing]
-[loud explosion]
[Judy] We gotta get
to that vault.
Get up. I got you.
-[Cyrus] My eyes!
-[Rachel] Cover them!
[Judy] David told us
to go to the vault, Rachel.
[Rachel] Keep your eyes covered.
-Rachel!
-[sobbing]
No! No!
Enough! I am getting my kids
out of here!
We're going
to the storm shelter.
Come on, come on.
I want to come with you!
[Ron] Looks like the tanks
are, uh, knocking out the walls.
I'm not sure how much longer
the structure will hold...
The FBI is reporting
they're receiving heavy gunfire
from the Branch Davidians.
-Who's... Who's firing?
-If you're still
listening in there,
-you're lives are at stake.
-[loud rumbling]
[Walter over PA]
Gas will be continue
to be delivered until everyone
is out of that building.
Heat signature shows people
gathering in the bunker.
Gas isn't penetrating there.
Gas the bunk.
I need you to gas the bunker.
[Walter on PA] We have
no intention of entering
the building at this time.
-[people coughing]
-[loud banging]
-[women sobbing]
-[banging continues]
-Open up!
-No! No!
-No! Cyrus!
-[people screaming]
Rachel!
-[Walter on PA]
This is not an assault.
-Why isn't anyone coming out?
-They should be coming out.
-[Walter speaking indistinctly
on PA]
Why aren't they coming out?
[baby crying]
Okay, get outside!
Get outside!
Cyrus!
[Judy] Oh, my God!
Oh, my God! It's...
It's blocked, Rachel!
It's blocked!
Go back! Go back!
Cyrus! Rachel!
[people screaming]
[sobbing] Serenity! Serenity!
-[man] Ronnie,
for the last 15 minutes...
-My God.
...we watched this M60 vehicle,
this combat engineering vehicle,
uh, pump tear gas in there.
Uh, at times, as you well know,
tear gas can be incendiary.
[loud rumbling]
[man] We have
a very large-scale fire
breaking out
on what must be the southside,
right near the front side
of this building.
Uh, these-- these are
some amazing pictures here.
Uh, a fire has broken out,
and, uh, let's just stay
with this, and...
Michelle!
Thibs, wait! Wait!
Michelle!
[screaming] Help me!
-[screaming continues]
-Help!
We're trapped, Rachel!
We're trapped! Help!
Come out now! Save yourselves!
It's time to come out, David!
Rachel, Rachel! No! No! No!
No!
[Walter speaking indistinctly
over PA]
[Walter] This is not an assault.
[Michelle sobbing]
Wake up! Wake up!
Go, go, go, go, go! Go, go!
No! Don't shoot! Don't shoot!
I'm unarmed!
It's okay. Okay, okay!
Michelle! Michelle!
[Thibodeau] Michelle!
[man] 95 people believed
to be inside this building.
17 of those 95 people, children.
-[Carol] Oh, my God.
-[man] 37 people have left
the compound
since the standoff began
51 days ago.
Oh, no. Oh, no.
-Michelle!
-Where are the kids? Where--
-Michelle!
-No. Where are the kids?
-Michelle!
-Tell us! Where are the kids?
Cyrus? [sobbing]
Get out! Get out! Get out!
-Help! Help!
-[Mitch] Get out! Get out!
Help!
[Rachel coughing]
-We give up. We give up.
-Okay. Okay. Okay.
We give-- [coughing]
Somebody help me!
We got kids down here!
My son's not moving.
Is he dead? Is he dead?
Somebody help me!
-Just, please,
get my boy, please!
-I'm gonna get you out of there.
[coughing] Please!
Somebody help me!
[Mitch] Help!
Wait! [grunts] Wait!
Wait! [sobs]
[sobbing]
[shouts]
[coughing]
[loud explosion in distance]
[Steve screams]
[sobbing]
[gun fires]
[sobbing]
[Prince] The following persons
have come out of the compound.
Jamie Castillo,
date of birth 6/4/68.
Clive Doyle,
date of birth 2/24/41.
Misty Ferguson, 16 years of age.
Derrick Lovelock,
born 8/13/1955.
A citizen of the United Kingdom.
-David Thibodeau...
-Oh, yes!
-Yes!
-...born 2/13/69.
[sighs]
There are no other
confirmed survivors
at this time.
[people gasping]
And I'm sorry to report
that none of the children
made it out.
Unfortunately...
we were unable to prevent
this tragic mass suicide.
The FBI and the Branch Davidians
each claim the other
started the fire.
And we may never know the truth.
So, instead,
let's talk about
what we do know.
Fact: Fresno, California, 1973.
A standoff
with law enforcement ends
when tear gas turns to fire,
killing those inside.
Fact: Los Angeles, '74.
Standoff between the SLA
and law enforcement ends
when tear gas turns to fire,
killing those inside.
Fact: '81, West Fork, Arkansas.
A standoff, tear gas,
fire, death.
1983, Smithfield, Arkansas.
1985, Philadelphia.
1987, Escondido, California.
All of them...
standoff, tear gas,
fire, death.
The FBI knows this happens,
and yet they made no plan...
to put out a fire...
if one started.
We are... all of us...
Americans.
When did we start seeing
each other as the enemy?
[gate buzzing]
Gary Noesner?
They're ready
for your testimony.
Thank you.
-[drums playing]
[baby crying]
[girl screaming]
-[Gary] Still nothing?
-They're still not answering.
-[Gary] But you've been...
-Yeah, calling every 30 minutes,
just like you asked.
They haven't answered in days.
How long we gonna keep trying?
Let me make sure
I'm getting this right.
David Koresh
believes the opening
of the fifth seal begins
-when Babylon, the ATF...
-Mm-hm.
-...attacks
the "peculiar people."
-Right, the Branch Davidians.
Then there's a quote.
"Little season of waiting."
Yes, that's what they believe
they're in right now.
And that little season
culminates in a second round
of bloodshed
-in which
the rest of them are killed.
-Exactly.
[James] But where this
gets interesting
is the interpretation
of the little season.
Um, in Biblical terms,
that could be a month
or a decade.
It's not specific.
And the word "season"
in the Bible is a translation
of the Greek word "kairos,"
-which actually means...
-Time.
..."time" more than "season."
So, you can think of it
like "right time" versus
a literal season.
These people are not crazy.
David Koresh is not crazy.
His theology follows
a coherent logic.
Agree with it or not,
there's something to it.
[Ron] If you say so,
I believe you. Uh...
Let's open up this conversation
to some callers.
Uh, Derek, you're on the air.
Hey, Ron. Say, I'm, uh--
I'm one of the camera guys
that's standing out here
watching Mount Carmel.
Something occurred to me.
You know how the Branch
Davidians
have no way of communicating
with the outside world?
I've been thinking.
There's this huge satellite
dish on their roof.
I mean, if we can somehow
get them to listen to your show,
we can ask 'em
"yes or no" questions
and they could move the dish
to answer, right?
-Thibs.
-[Steve] Go, go.
Go.
[Ron] That's not a bad idea.
I guess the question
would then be,
"How do we get them
to listen to my show?"
Whoa.
Ron, they just moved it.
They moved the dish.
-[chuckles]
-[Ron] They did?
Again!
[Ron] Are you guys
listening to me in there?
Again! Come on, Thibs!
[Derek chuckles]
They moved it again.
-[Ron] That's a "yes."
-We have communications!
-[Ron] That's a "yes."
Um, hi, guys...
-We have communications.
-[chuckles]
-[Ron] Is there anything
you need?
My name is Dick DeGuerin.
David Koresh's lawyer.
Jack Zimmerman.
Steve Schneider's lawyer.
We'd like to speak
with our clients.
-Ron Engelman, KGBS.
-[scoffs] You can't be serious.
You expect me to, what,
just let you walk up there
and knock on the front door?
[Dick] We filed a writ
of habeas corpus.
That only applies
when someone's in custody.
Well, if they're not in custody,
we'll arrange transportation
so they can leave.
They haven't even asked
for a lawyer.
Yes, they have.
They're asking
for their lawyers in front
of the whole world. Now...
what do you think's
gonna happen to you when
this whole case is dismissed...
because you refused them
the right to counsel?
David, they're coming.
[knocking on door]
ATF claim that
you shot at them first
through those front doors,
but the metal bends inward.
They claim their helicopters
didn't fire,
but the holes in Jaydean's room
are clearly from above.
We have recordings,
the 911s, Wayne made
of you trying to surrender.
Trust me on this, gentlemen,
any jury sees this at all,
you got a hell of a case
for self-defense here.
This is the U.S. government
we're up against,
and you're sitting here
telling me we're gonna get
a fair shake?
The government
doesn't sit on the jury.
People like y'all do.
[Dick] Let me ask you this.
If you were on that jury
and you saw that front door,
what would your verdict be?
What's the plan?
What's the strategy here?
The plan is we go for
full acquittal.
Full acquittal?
[sighs]
-[David] Thanks again.
-We'll be in touch.
You realize
we're standing outside.
I know.
What do you think?
The theologian
on the radio show,
the little season...
the camera man calling in,
the satellite...
the lawyers...
All of this doesn't happen
by chance.
Come on.
-[phone ringing]
-[Walter] Gary!
-[grunts]
-[ringing continues]
[clears throat] Hello?
-Hello? Hello?
-[David] Gary?
Oh, David. I have to say
I've missed the sound
of your voice, brother.
-What's going on?
-Something special happened
today, Gary.
Something I can't see
as anything short of a miracle.
What are you saying?
I got my sign from God, Gary.
We're coming out.
But first,
I want to protect the message
that we have going on in here.
So, when I go to jail,
I can spend all my time
answering the stupid questions.
Like, "Why do you have
so many wives in there?"
and "Why are you
torturing babies?"
'Cause once I finish writing
those seven seals,
I will personally walk out
that front door,
and you can throw me
in the jailhouse and come on
down and feed me bananas
for all you want.
I'll come feed you
anything you like.
How long will it take you
to write it?
Oh, I'm thinking a week,
a week or so.
Are you telling me
that once you have reduced
your version of the seven seals
to written form,
that you and all your people
are coming out of there?
I have no reason
to draw this out
any longer, Gary.
Please answer the question
definitively.
Are you coming out
as soon as you're done?
Gary, I'm going to fulfill
my commitment to God.
Now, if you would allow me
to show you what has been
pre-written by the prophets,
you'll have
a way better understanding
of what's going on in here.
I am asking you
a very simple question, David.
-I need--
-I'm gonna give you
a very simple answer.
Yes, yes, yes!
We have no intention
of dying in here, Gary.
Okay, David.
Well, I'm gonna let you
get to work
because, frankly,
I am eagerly awaiting
that manuscript.
Well, I tell you what.
It's gonna blow
your socks off, Gary.
My concern is...
-we gotta make sure
that their field...
-They're surrendering.
We're gonna work out
the details of the surrender
while David writes down
his interpretation
of the seven seals.
-Then they'll come out.
-How long is that gonna take?
-They're guessing a week.
-Tell them to take a few
extra days.
Maybe knock out his memoirs
while he's at it.
I just got off the phone
with the man, okay?
He told me,
"I never intended
to die in here."
Those are his words,
okay? But...
Koresh's biggest fear
is being silenced
before he can share his message
with the world.
If we let him write it,
he will come out peacefully.
It's just another stall tactic.
You're not taking this
seriously, are you?
Mitch,
we've been here six weeks.
What's one more?
-I know
how long we've been here.
-One more.
All right, Gary,
start working out
the details of surrender,
and let's see if it happens.
I can buy you one week.
Yeah, thanks. Yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
Excuse me. Everyone, listen up.
I've got some news.
David's received
a sign from God.
We're working out
a plan to surrender.
It's over.
It's all over.
Oh! Oh, God!
It's gonna be okay.
I'm ready.
-Strange, indeed...
-[typing]
...for the judgment of man,
for who knows within himself
that his judgment be true?
[Dick] Steve Schneider
will then deliver the manuscript
of the seven seals
to the theologian James Tabor.
Once the manuscript
is delivered to Tabor,
David Koresh
will leave the building,
either by foot or on stretcher,
followed by those remaining
on the inside.
How do we know
the place isn't rigged
with bombs?
I don't want my men
getting blown up
when they search the place.
Mitch, why the hell would they
put bombs in their own house?
I'll be the last one
out of the building, and...
the Texas Rangers
will be the ones
to secure the scene,
not you,
to protect the evidence.
-Not acceptable.
-Non-negotiable.
If you wanted them to trust you,
you shouldn't have tortured 'em.
We'll accept those conditions.
Good.
[Michelle] Hey.
-Hungry?
-[chuckles] Starving...
for anything
but those disgusting things.
First thing I'm gonna eat
when I get out of here...
a whole box of fish sticks.
-[laughs]
-Yeah.
Do you think
you'll go to jail...
once this is done?
Yeah.
Probably for a little while.
Do you think I'll go to jail?
No.
No, that would be crazy.
My idea of crazy
has been changing.
-[both laugh]
-Yeah.
But, hey...
when I get out of jail...
I think I could look you up.
Give you a call.
You won't have to.
I'll be
standing outside the jail,
waiting to drive you home.
And I saw, in his right hand
that sat on the throne,
a book written
within and on the backside,
sealed with seven seals...
David, I gotta stop.
My finger's really
hurting here. [groans]
And I saw a strong angel...
proclaim with a loud voice,
"Who is worthy to open the book?
And to loose its seals?"
-[typing]
-[David] And no man in heaven...
nor on earth,
nor under the earth...
Honestly...
how real do you think
this Koresh manuscript is?
I-I think it's real.
-Have you seen any of it yet?
-No, they haven't sent
anything out.
Has anyone in there seen in it?
Nobody's seen it,
but he's working on it
day and night, apparently.
Like, have I read
the manuscript personally? No.
-But...
I know he's working on it.
-[David] Strange, indeed...
[Gary] All right, Steve,
I need you to send me some pages
to show my bosses
that you and I are
working towards a resolution.
Because right now,
they think David is stalling.
-[Steve sighs] I can try, but--
-To avoid them making
any hasty decisions.
Do you understand me?
-[David]
...who knows within himself...
-[Judy typing]
Yeah. Yeah, I understand.
We'll send out some pages.
I'll talk to David.
Hey, where'd Prince go?
He left with Decker.
Wh-Where?
I think they headed
to the airport.
...saying with a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain to receive honor
and power and glory--"
-David--
-"...and strength.
-Wisdom--"
-I need to talk to you.
I need your permission
to send out some of
the manuscript pages.
-No, it's not ready.
-[scoffs]
David, Gary has got to
show his bosses that we are
really doing something here.
We have to send out some pages.
Steve, last time I rushed it,
the message wasn't ready.
And finally, I've received
the word of God.
And this is gonna be
the most sacred revelation
in human history.
-It's gotta be right!
-I know, but I am telling you--
And I'm telling you
you'll get it when it's done!
Because under him and for him...
all things were created.
[Reno] You're telling me
you've exhausted every other
possible option?
Negotiations
have reached an impasse,
Madam Attorney General.
You're asking me
to sign off on an assault that
would put children in danger.
I wouldn't call it an assault.
Once we insert
tear gas into the compound,
they'll come right out.
I thought you said
they all had gas masks in there.
Nobody makes a gas mask
that'll fit children.
Once those mothers
see those kids' eyes
watering like that,
game over.
[Reno] Wouldn't that hurt them?
We believe
it's the best option available.
Our intelligence shows
they continue to abuse
those children while we wait.
There's no other way
to end this?
I'm afraid it's the only way.
-Let me take this
to the president.
-Thank you, Madam General.
[indistinct radio chatter]
There are barrels of CS gas
out there.
This thing needs to be brought
to a logical conclusion.
CS gas is banned
by the Geneva Convention.
It would be a war crime
to use CS gas on a terrorist.
And you think it's
a logical conclusion to use it
on American women and children?
You've had almost two months
to work this out.
And you failed.
What do you mean I failed?
We have a deal for surrender!
Yeah, I know.
All right. Hey! Walter!
Get him on the phone!
-[Gary] Now!
-[Walter] Yeah.
-Hello?
-[Gary] Steve, it's been a week.
You told me you were gonna
get me some pages.
-[sighs] I know, but David--
-Nuh-uh, uh-uh!
I need the pages.
Gary, David really
wants to get this right
before he sends--
I don't give a shit
what David wants anymore!
I need those pages!
The last time
he sent out a message,
he was embarrassed,
and you saw how that turned out.
Why not give him
the time that he needs
so that he can get it right?
We don't have time anymore.
Get me the pages now, Steve.
I am trying to help you people,
but you make it so goddamn hard.
-Do you have any idea what is--?
-[line beeping]
Hello?
Steve?
You've gotten
a little too close to this one.
I'm sending you home.
Uh-uh, I'm not leaving.
[Mitch] Gary...
Please don't make me
have my guys do it.
You cannot remove these people
by force.
The more you push them,
the more they think it is
a test of their faith.
You've been wrong
about a whole lot of things
on this one, Gary.
Don't do it, Tony.
Don't go in there with gas.
This isn't your fight
any longer, Gary.
All right.
Let's pack it up.
They asked me to stay.
Oh.
[Gary] Oh, Jesus.
You know...
before this...
before all the tanks
and psy-ops and guns...
and cruelty...
and bullshit...
do you know how they kept order
in Waco?
Do you know how they kept
the Branch Davidians in line?
They talked to 'em!
The local sheriff
doesn't even carry a sidearm.
He doesn't need one.
But you people...
Look at yourselves! All this!
All this!
You think
this is really working?
Good luck.
David,
it's the FBI on the phone.
I've agreed to everything.
But they won't stop.
It sounds important.
-Gary?
-No, it's Walter.
Gary's been reassigned.
Reassigned? Why?
David, I need to tell you
that my bosses have run out
of patience with you.
Every day, we try
and show you men good faith,
but all you want to do is fight.
I'm tired.
I don't wanna fight no more.
I'm a life.
Everyone in here is a life.
We've got children.
We're American citizens.
But we all have
our breaking point.
You brought yourself
to that breaking point, David.
If you'd walked out on that day
as you promised,
by now,
you'd probably be out on bail
for God's sake!
We both know that's not true.
You got your guys out here
removing evidences,
you say you're the government,
you wanna settle this
in a court of law,
but I don't believe it anymore!
Are you covering up for the ATF?
Because it appears that way,
Walter.
-We're not
removing evidence, David.
-You are removing evidences!
And there's things in here
that we can't replace!
Like that '68 SS El Camino!
You can't replace that!
They don't make those anymore!
I don't really have control
over that, David.
It's wrong,
and you're doing wrong
by God and by man,
and every day,
you're adding to your wrong!
-David, you're the one
who's doing wrong.
-No, no, no, no!
No!
David, you seem to have
no concern
about anybody within
that place except yourself!
Walter, please tell me...
what is it you men really want?
We want you and everyone else
in that place to come out
safely.
Well, you're not showing me
that that's what you want.
Because I believe
you want just the opposite.
That's not true, David.
Your commanders are fixing
to ruin the safety of me
and my children,
my life, the lives of my wives,
the lives of my family,
the lives of my friends.
You all are fixing
to step across that ribbon,
and you know it!
Walter,
if you want to place this
in the history books
as one of the saddest days
the world's ever known...
then that's on you.
-David...
-[hangs up]
[electronic distortion,
pulsation]
[man shouting in distance]
[phone ringing]
[ringing continues]
Hello?
[Walter] I need to speak
to Steve right away.
Steve! Steve!
Tanks are coming right at us!
Shit!
This is Steve.
[Walter] Steve, we
are going to insert
tear gas into your building.
-What?
-This is not an assault.
We are not
entering your building.
-Do not fire your weapon.
-No.
-If you fire,
fire will be returned.
-No, no!
-No, we had
a deal for surrender!
-This is not an assault.
We had a deal!
Son of a bitch!
Everyone,
get your gas masks! Now!
David?
-David, wake up.
-Hm?
-They're gonna gas us.
-What? Gas us?
[Steve] I mean they're coming
with gas.
-All right,
get Walter back on the phone.
-No, it cut off.
Cut off?
What do you mean "cut off"?
I got mad,
and I ripped out the phone.
-Why would you do that, Steve?
-They're done talking!
Okay, then, men in the chapel,
women in the vault.
We need to wet the blankets
to protect the children
-from the gas, okay?
-No, no, we gotta get out
of here.
They're trying to stop me
from getting the message out,
okay?
-I need more time.
-David, we gotta leave.
Stay with me, okay?
Stay with me!
Let's keep moving!
-I need to use that PA!
-I can't authorize--
I'm authorizing it!
This is not an assault.
The siege is over now.
The gas you will be smelling
is a non-lethal tear gas.
Exit the compound now.
You will not be harmed.
This is not an assault.
Michelle! Michelle!
Get to the vault!
Go, go, go! Go!
[women screaming]
[Walter over PA]
This is not an assault.
Exit the compound now.
Come on, let's go.
Come on, let's go.
Come on. Come on.
Put this on your face, okay?
-Okay.
-Where are you going?
Don't leave us.
Stay safe. I'll come back, okay?
I'll come back.
[sobbing]
It's okay.
Get back.
[Walter speaking indistinctly
over PA]
[man on TV] ...has been
standing by in Waco, Texas
for the entire duration
of the standoff.
-She joins us now live.
-[woman] John, about
five minutes ago,
we saw tanks continuing
to batter the compound,
continuing to put gaping holes
into the walls of the structure.
We saw what looked like white,
wispy smoke coming out,
which usually is indicative
of tear gas.
The FBI has told us that they
are using non-lethal gas...
[voice fading out]
-[woman screaming]
-[baby crying]
Rachel?
Oh, my God! Rachel!
[Rachel sobbing]
Put your hands--
Put your hands here.
Judy, get the kids--
get the kids out of here.
Put your hands here.
I'm gonna pull your body out.
-Both of your hands, Rachel.
-I can't! Stop--
[both grunting]
-[sobbing]
-[loud explosion]
[Judy] We gotta get
to that vault.
Get up. I got you.
-[Cyrus] My eyes!
-[Rachel] Cover them!
[Judy] David told us
to go to the vault, Rachel.
[Rachel] Keep your eyes covered.
-Rachel!
-[sobbing]
No! No!
Enough! I am getting my kids
out of here!
We're going
to the storm shelter.
Come on, come on.
I want to come with you!
[Ron] Looks like the tanks
are, uh, knocking out the walls.
I'm not sure how much longer
the structure will hold...
The FBI is reporting
they're receiving heavy gunfire
from the Branch Davidians.
-Who's... Who's firing?
-If you're still
listening in there,
-you're lives are at stake.
-[loud rumbling]
[Walter over PA]
Gas will be continue
to be delivered until everyone
is out of that building.
Heat signature shows people
gathering in the bunker.
Gas isn't penetrating there.
Gas the bunk.
I need you to gas the bunker.
[Walter on PA] We have
no intention of entering
the building at this time.
-[people coughing]
-[loud banging]
-[women sobbing]
-[banging continues]
-Open up!
-No! No!
-No! Cyrus!
-[people screaming]
Rachel!
-[Walter on PA]
This is not an assault.
-Why isn't anyone coming out?
-They should be coming out.
-[Walter speaking indistinctly
on PA]
Why aren't they coming out?
[baby crying]
Okay, get outside!
Get outside!
Cyrus!
[Judy] Oh, my God!
Oh, my God! It's...
It's blocked, Rachel!
It's blocked!
Go back! Go back!
Cyrus! Rachel!
[people screaming]
[sobbing] Serenity! Serenity!
-[man] Ronnie,
for the last 15 minutes...
-My God.
...we watched this M60 vehicle,
this combat engineering vehicle,
uh, pump tear gas in there.
Uh, at times, as you well know,
tear gas can be incendiary.
[loud rumbling]
[man] We have
a very large-scale fire
breaking out
on what must be the southside,
right near the front side
of this building.
Uh, these-- these are
some amazing pictures here.
Uh, a fire has broken out,
and, uh, let's just stay
with this, and...
Michelle!
Thibs, wait! Wait!
Michelle!
[screaming] Help me!
-[screaming continues]
-Help!
We're trapped, Rachel!
We're trapped! Help!
Come out now! Save yourselves!
It's time to come out, David!
Rachel, Rachel! No! No! No!
No!
[Walter speaking indistinctly
over PA]
[Walter] This is not an assault.
[Michelle sobbing]
Wake up! Wake up!
Go, go, go, go, go! Go, go!
No! Don't shoot! Don't shoot!
I'm unarmed!
It's okay. Okay, okay!
Michelle! Michelle!
[Thibodeau] Michelle!
[man] 95 people believed
to be inside this building.
17 of those 95 people, children.
-[Carol] Oh, my God.
-[man] 37 people have left
the compound
since the standoff began
51 days ago.
Oh, no. Oh, no.
-Michelle!
-Where are the kids? Where--
-Michelle!
-No. Where are the kids?
-Michelle!
-Tell us! Where are the kids?
Cyrus? [sobbing]
Get out! Get out! Get out!
-Help! Help!
-[Mitch] Get out! Get out!
Help!
[Rachel coughing]
-We give up. We give up.
-Okay. Okay. Okay.
We give-- [coughing]
Somebody help me!
We got kids down here!
My son's not moving.
Is he dead? Is he dead?
Somebody help me!
-Just, please,
get my boy, please!
-I'm gonna get you out of there.
[coughing] Please!
Somebody help me!
[Mitch] Help!
Wait! [grunts] Wait!
Wait! [sobs]
[sobbing]
[shouts]
[coughing]
[loud explosion in distance]
[Steve screams]
[sobbing]
[gun fires]
[sobbing]
[Prince] The following persons
have come out of the compound.
Jamie Castillo,
date of birth 6/4/68.
Clive Doyle,
date of birth 2/24/41.
Misty Ferguson, 16 years of age.
Derrick Lovelock,
born 8/13/1955.
A citizen of the United Kingdom.
-David Thibodeau...
-Oh, yes!
-Yes!
-...born 2/13/69.
[sighs]
There are no other
confirmed survivors
at this time.
[people gasping]
And I'm sorry to report
that none of the children
made it out.
Unfortunately...
we were unable to prevent
this tragic mass suicide.
The FBI and the Branch Davidians
each claim the other
started the fire.
And we may never know the truth.
So, instead,
let's talk about
what we do know.
Fact: Fresno, California, 1973.
A standoff
with law enforcement ends
when tear gas turns to fire,
killing those inside.
Fact: Los Angeles, '74.
Standoff between the SLA
and law enforcement ends
when tear gas turns to fire,
killing those inside.
Fact: '81, West Fork, Arkansas.
A standoff, tear gas,
fire, death.
1983, Smithfield, Arkansas.
1985, Philadelphia.
1987, Escondido, California.
All of them...
standoff, tear gas,
fire, death.
The FBI knows this happens,
and yet they made no plan...
to put out a fire...
if one started.
We are... all of us...
Americans.
When did we start seeing
each other as the enemy?
[gate buzzing]
Gary Noesner?
They're ready
for your testimony.
Thank you.