Netflix is set to release a new docuseries, Waco: American Apocalypse, on the Waco siege, one of the most devastating tragedies in America’s history that claimed the lives of 76 people.
The series is directed by Tiller Russell, known for his critically acclaimed true crime documentary Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer released in 2021.

The Waco siege began on February 28, 1993, when federal and state authorities surrounded a compound in Texas belonging to the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh. The standoff lasted for 51 days and culminated in a tear gas attack launched by the FBI on April 19, which led to a fire intentionally started by the Branch Davidians. 

Here are five lesser known facts about the siege:

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  • The siege was not the first time federal agents had raided the Branch Davidian compound. In February 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) conducted a raid on the compound to arrest David Koresh and search for illegal weapons. The raid resulted in a shootout that left four ATF agents and six Branch Davidians dead.
  • The siege lasted for 51 days, during which the Branch Davidians were surrounded by federal agents and cut off from the outside world. The siege ended on April 19, 1993, when the FBI launched a tear gas assault on the compound. A fire broke out, which quickly spread throughout the building, resulting in the deaths of 76 people, including 25 children.
  • The Branch Davidians were not a traditional religious group but a splinter group of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They were led by David Koresh, who believed he was a messiah and had prophetic powers. Koresh claimed to have a direct line of communication with God and believed that the end of the world was near.
  • The siege was one of the longest standoffs in American history and was broadcast live on television for much of its duration. The siege captured the attention of the nation, and many people became emotionally invested in the outcome.
  • The Waco siege has been the subject of much controversy and speculation. Some people believe that the federal government acted too aggressively and that the siege was unnecessary. Others believe that the Branch Davidians were a dangerous cult that needed to be stopped. The events of the siege are still debated to this day, and many questions remain unanswered.

While the Waco siege is a well-known event, there are many facts about it that are not widely known. The siege remains a controversial event in American history, and its impact is still felt today

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Russell’s docuseries aims to shed new light on the Waco siege by presenting expert commentary and eyewitness testimonials. The series promises to offer a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on the tragedy that shook the world almost three decades ago.