Ep 35. Secrets of Waco

"Secrets of Waco" is the thirtieth season, thirty-fifth episode of the true crime documentary series "48 Hours." The episode delves into the infamous 1993 Waco siege, during which 76 members of the Branch Davidian religious cult died after a 51-day standoff against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The episode includes interviews with survivors of the siege and their family members, law enforcement officials involved in the standoff, and experts on cults and religious extremism. It examines the events that led up to the siege, including the controversial beliefs and practices of the Branch Davidians, the arrest of cult leader David Koresh, and the subsequent raid on the cult's Mount Carmel compound.

Through firsthand accounts and investigative reporting, "Secrets of Waco" explores the actions and decisions of the law enforcement officials involved in the siege, including the use of tear gas and the final assault on the compound. The episode also investigates the aftermath of the siege, including the trials of surviving Branch Davidians and the various conspiracy theories that have arisen in the years since.

"Secrets of Waco" serves as a comprehensive look at one of the most controversial events in recent United States history. Through interviews with those who experienced the siege firsthand and expert analysis, the episode aims to shed new light on this tragic and complicated chapter in American law enforcement.