Waco Siege Part 1: New Mount Carmel Center (Waco, TX)

Alyssa and Hadley turn their attention to New Mount Carmel Center, an isolated ranch just outside of Waco, Texas where a 51-day standoff between the FBI and the Branch Davidians—a religious cult led by self-proclaimed prophet David Koresh—came to a disastrous end on April 19, 1993, when the group’s massive compound burned to the ground with 76 Branch Davidians still inside. Setting out to understand what led to the government’s siege of Mount Carmel, the hosts go back to the beginning, reviewing the tumultuous history of the cult and their property. They also examine the harsh living conditions that Koresh’s followers were subjected to while living there, and how the compound's rudimentary design and construction played a significant role throughout the conflict. Finally, Alyssa and Hadley uncover what happened to Mount Carmel after the fire, how the remains of the compound became a macabre tourist attraction, and the chilling sounds that visitors and caretakers have reported hearing on the grounds since. 

CREDITS

Alyssa Fiorentino - Co-host & Producer

Hadley Mendelsohn - Co-host & Producer

Jessy Caron - Producer & Audio Editor

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RELATED LINKS

‘Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and A Legacy of Rage’ by Jeff Guinn: https://amzn.to/3FtvqZL 

“The Bizarre History of the Branch Davidian Headquarters in Waco, Texas” House Beautiful (ARTICLE): https://bit.ly/40o8CVb 

“The Ghosts of Mount Carmel” (ARTICLE): https://bit.ly/3M9U4m3 

“Branch Davidian Compound, Mount Carmel Center” (VIDEO): https://bit.ly/3Q7gBRB 

“David Koresh SERMON” (VIDEO): https://bit.ly/45IZL15 

“The Sinful Messiah: Read the series” Waco Tribune-Herald (ARTICLE): https://bit.ly/3Mf4lNT 

“The hounds of Waco” Salon (ARTICLE): https://bit.ly/497qMyo 

“End Of Days” BBC Radio 5 Live (PODCAST): https://bit.ly/409UKNP

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