Lessons Learned: The ATF’s Raid on the Waco Branch Davidian Compound

In February 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a raid on the Waco Branch Davidian compound in Texas, an event that became known as the “longest shootout in law enforcement history.” A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by The Black Vault led to the release of a PowerPoint presentation detailing the lessons learned from this raid. The presentation, prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice and the ATF, offers a comprehensive analysis of the planning, execution, and aftermath of the operation.

The raid, known as Operation Trojan Horse, involved 137 ATF employees, including three Special Response Teams (SRT) from Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans. The operation aimed to execute a search warrant on the compound’s leader, David Koresh, due to suspicions of illegal weapons possession and other criminal activities.

The presentation highlights several key areas where the ATF learned valuable lessons:

1. Intelligence Gathering: The importance of accurate and reliable intelligence was emphasized, as the operation relied on assumptions that later proved erroneous, such as the belief that the men would be working in a pit at the time of the raid.
2. Operational Planning: The need for a well-structured planning team, including case agents and undercover agents, was identified. The planning process should involve all relevant parties to ensure a comprehensive approach.
3. Mission Execution: The raid faced significant challenges, including the loss of the element of surprise and inadequate incident command structure. These issues underscored the necessity of having a clear chain of command and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
4. Post-Raid Operations: The aftermath of the raid highlighted the importance of a well-coordinated notification process for families of casualties, thorough debriefing sessions for agents involved, and effective media handling to provide accurate information to the public.
5. Agency Culture: The presentation stresses the importance of fostering a culture where team members feel empowered to voice concerns and ask questions, especially when the risk factors of an operation change.

The material released by the ATF can be downloaded below.

Document Archive

Lessons Learned: The ATF’s Raid on the Waco Branch Davidian Compound [149 Pages, 8.5MB]

 

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