The “David Branch” emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century after a split within Adventism. Adventism is a marginal Protestant movement that began in the 19th century. Distinct Christian traditions emphasize different paths: Catholics pursue a historical Kingdom of God on earth, the Orthodox Church centers on a spiritual and mystical approach to God, and traditional Protestants express faith through action and living by biblical covenants. Adventists are often described as witnesses of the apocalypse.
The founder, William Miller, claimed to interpret scripture in a way that predicted a world end in 1844. Followers prepared for that moment, even selling belongings, only to be disappointed when the Second Coming did not occur. Over time, other prophets with similar messages surfaced, urging people to prepare for imminent events.
The successors most widely known from Miller’s circle are the Seventh-day Adventists, from whom the Branch Davidians eventually split.
The Davidians settled with their families on Mount Carmel Ranch near Waco, Texas, and became notable for much of their history.
Heir of Cyrus the Great
The movement shifted when Vernon Wayne Howell rose to leadership and adopted the name David Koresh. The name David echoed the biblical king, while Koresh echoes Cyrus the Great, the Persian ruler who ended the Babylonian captivity. Koresh was born to a teenage mother in Texas. His early life included a troubled upbringing, dyslexia, and several school transfers.
Koresh had his first child at nineteen with a teenage partner. At twenty, he formed a relationship with the daughter of a pastor from the Adventist church he attended with his mother. The pastor refused to approve the union, drawing harsh criticism toward Koresh from church members. In 1981, Koresh left to join a breakaway group at Mount Carmel, where he would declare himself a prophet. What followed was a long power struggle that included violent confrontations and control over the community.
In time Koresh came to claim leadership of the farm and a unique religious role. The mix of prophetic authority and the kingly title drew attention and controversy. Some supporters saw him as a messianic figure, while critics questioned the theological coherence of his claims about prophecies and leadership. The ensuing dynamics blended spiritual narratives with intense personal charisma and control.
Royal harem
Koresh pursued a doctrine that tied his leadership to a sexual framework. He asserted that certain women within the community bore him many children, seen as figures connected to a biblical prophecy. These beliefs fed accusations of coercive authority and exploitation. Information about internal relationships leaked beyond the ranch, provoking investigations and widespread concern about the welfare of residents, including minors.
Koresh also authored a personal text that framed his views as a new religious scripture. Reports from former members described pressure on followers to align with his intimate expectations and the social order he proposed. The community faced scrutiny over how relationships were managed and how consent was treated within this framework.
During this period, interest grew in the group’s acquisition of weapons. The authorities began to monitor activity at Mount Carmel as legal concerns and safety issues rose to the fore.
Siege and fire
In late winter of 1993, law enforcement approached Mount Carmel with a search warrant. Tensions escalated into a confrontation that involved armed individuals and a battle around the ranch. Casualties occurred on both sides as the confrontation continued, leading to a pause in the operation and a shift in strategy by security forces. The scene revealed a well-armed, tightly organized group that did not fit simple labels about religious sects or criminal organizations.
As the standoff evolved, authorities reassessed the situation and shifted to a longer siege mode. The campaign involved negotiations, the removal of some residents, and ongoing debate about how to proceed without endangering those inside. The balance between law enforcement objectives and the safety of civilians became a central concern for all involved.
Eventually, federal investigators and negotiators faced a difficult decision as the siege stretched on. The plan combined continued dialogue with the use of heavy armored vehicles and other means to reduce barricades around the compound. The operation sought to minimize harm while addressing the legal and safety concerns at stake.
Armageddon “according to Koresh”
The group endured a harsh campaign that cut off electricity and water, disrupted communications, and used disruptive noise to pressure the residents. Some followers began leaving, while a smaller number remained inside the compound. In a final assault, engineering teams cleared paths, and soldiers employed tear gas and other measures to access the structures. The residents fought back with firearms, but the assault proceeded with mounting intensity.
The buildings were damaged and caught fire in several locations as the operation intensified. Debates continue about who started the blaze, with official statements suggesting the residents set fires themselves to resist surrender. The outcome was devastating, with many lives lost, including leaders who perished in the confrontation. The tragedy left a deep impact on the community and broader society, fueling discussions about religious freedom and the risks of extreme belief systems.
The Mount Carmel events shocked the nation and highlighted concerns about how a country honors the right to hold unconventional religious beliefs while safeguarding public safety. The episode left an enduring cautionary tale about the dangers that can emerge when faith and power intertwine in isolated communities.
Since then, the Branch Davidians have stood as a stark reminder of how fragile trust can be within isolated sects and how power dynamics can escalate into crisis when personal authority becomes absolute.