The standoff at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, began on February 28, 1993, as law enforcement attempted to execute a search warrant regarding allegations of child abuse and illegal weapons possession against the group's leader, David Koresh. Following a firefight that resulted in the deaths of four ATF agents and six Davidians, the FBI took over and initiated a siege that would last for 51 days, marked by intense negotiations and psychological tactics aimed at persuading the inhabitants to leave peacefully.

As the standoff progressed, the FBI employed various strategies to debilitate the group's morale and resolve, including the use of loud noises, bright lights, and disruption of power supplies. However, negotiations eventually faltered, leading to a decision to breach the compound on April 19, 1993. Early that morning, tactical teams inserted tear gas into the building in an effort to force the residents out.

Shortly thereafter, a fire broke out within the compound under ambiguous circumstances. While some witnesses claimed that the fire was deliberately set by the Davidians, others speculated it may have been inadvertent. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire structure and making escape nearly impossible. Ultimately, 76 members of the Branch Davidian group perished in the inferno, including many children, marking a tragic and contentious end to a prolonged confrontation.