The Ruby Ridge standoff involved the Weaver family, particularly Vicki and her husband Randy Weaver, who had come under federal scrutiny for allegations of illegal firearms possession and sales. The situation escalated dramatically over an 11-day period, starting on August 21, when U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest Randy Weaver on a weapons charge. In the ensuing chaos, one of the marshals was killed, which intensified the conflict and drew the involvement of the FBI and other federal entities. As tensions escalated, the standoff turned deadly when FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi fired at the family, resulting in Vicki Weaver’s death while she was holding her infant child. The shooting occurred early in the morning from a distance on the property while Vicki was at the cabin's door, and it sparked significant public and media outrage concerning the FBI's tactics and the broader implications of federal law enforcement's powers versus individual rights.

Following the incident, a federal investigation was conducted to assess the actions taken by the FBI and the overall handling of the standoff. The event had lasting impacts on the relationship between individual citizens and law enforcement, particularly among those who were part of, or sympathetic to, the militia and anti-government movements. The Ruby Ridge situation became emblematic of the tensions that existed between federal authorities and certain factions within American society, raising questions regarding government overreach, the right to bear arms, and the enforcement of laws concerning self-defense and individual autonomy. Vicki Weaver’s death was a pivotal moment that ignited discussions about civil liberties and the power of federal agencies in dealing with citizens who resist government regulations.