Talk:David Koresh

Inconsistency

This page states (or at least strongly implies) that Koresh was killed by the fire during the raid - however, the Branch Davidian page states he was killed by a single shot to the head. Which is it? DarkIye (talk) 09:57, 5 December 2007 (UTC)

Another inconsistency is that it says Koresh slept with Lois Roden in 1983 who was then in her 60s...however her date of birth is 1905 meaning she would have been 78. Also there is no mention of this relationship on her page. —Preceding unsigned comment added by TGManok (talk • contribs) 00:49, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

This was a dispute that proceeded the issues with the ATF. Koresh contended he never got her pregnant, others argued that he did and created false allegations, many of which were repeated and reported by law enforcement. See Waco: Rules of Engagement and "Waco: The Big Lie" documentaries for video and chronological evidence including FLIR analysis of the footage created by the British spy plane used during the seige. 98.111.199.226 (talk) 03:33, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

He was shot in the head. This was done so they didn't have the pain of burning alive Source:Waco miniseries GETITRIGHTTHISTIME79 (talk) 18:37, 18 May 2023 (UTC)

so purpose of talk section is to improve article, its hard to improve such garbage, ther is no mention of murders of law enforcement.

Another is the number of people who died in the final siege, this page says 82 while the wiki page for "Waco Siege" says 76. Not the biggest difference, but then again this is considered a lexicon and should therefore reflect only facts.--Hodeken (talk) 11:36, 19 March 2013 (UTC)

76 Branch Davidians died in the final siege and resulting fire while 6 died in the shoot out that occurred when the raid commenced 51 days earlier, which makes a total of 82 Branch Davidians dead as well as 4 federal agents. 97.99.98.234 (talk) 05:06, 13 March 2023 (UTC)

Kiri Jewell's Congressional testimony

I have searched long and hard to find some backing for the claim that Sherri Jewell or Kiri Jewell's grandmother alleged that Kiri fabricated the incident of sexual molestation and lied to the Congressional hearing. All that I have found is that subsequent to the Congressional hearing, various non-notable sources (eg bulletin boards) have made claims that at the time of the incident that Kiri Jewell was alleging, she was actually living away from Mount Carmel. Trawling through the Congressional hearing documentation, the grandmother did not appear and counter her testimony. Her mother was one of the unfortunate victims of the fire at Mount Carmel and so never countered the testimony either. The best that can be tracked down is a standard line - repeated via BBs, unsourced -- to the effect that "Kiri Jewell, the 14-year-old girl whose tear-jerking testimony convinced many that the raid was justified, was not even with the Branch Davidians at the time she alleges that David Koresh abused her. [my emphasis] She was living with her mother and grandmother in California." In fact, Kiri testified that the attack took place in a motel room, not at Mount Carmel. Her father sought and was awarded temporary custody of her in december 1991 on the basis of the molestation, and the case was heard in full 24-25 February 1992, Jewell v Jewell, by Judge Taylor at St. Joseph courts, Niles, Michigan. Full custody was awarded to the father, David Jewell. The judge further forbade any contact, either direct or indirect, with any member of the branch Davidians save her mother, with visitation strictly supervised. These are verifiable facts, and the congressional testimony is a matter of public record. Here's the policy:

Articles should contain only material that has been published by reliable sources. Editors adding new material to an article should cite a reliable source, or it may be challenged or removed by any editor. The obligation to provide a reliable source lies with the editors wishing to include the material, not on those seeking to remove it.

I don't want an edit war, and I'm trying to be as reasonable as possible, even earlier leaving room for all concerned to maneouvre by tagging the grandmother comment {{fact}} and looking for a reference for it myself. But it seems that others wish to follow there own agenda here, even going so far as to imply I am somehow involved with a federal or government agency, "wearing an acronym" on my chest. I'm going to make the edit as per policy, removing the unsourced allegation. Furthermore, please bear in mind that while this article isn't a biography of a living person, the unreferenced statement is - and unless someone has a verifiable reference pointing out what Kiri's grandmother has said about her, then "controversial material of any kind that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous." the statement must go until referenced.

I am going to ask for mediation or possibly WP:RfC on this matter, too. If I am unable to get my case across with the preceeding comment, then at the very least a third party really needs to be involved. Devious Viper 01:59, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

In the first instance, I have requested WP:3 Devious Viper 02:20, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Hi! I'm your "third opinion." I think that the statement should stay in WITH the fact tag on it until a suitable source is found. Removing the statement or the "fact" tag from here on out can be regarded as vandalism. (IMHO) If a source isn't found in a few months then the statement can be safely removed. Anyone have any objections to this? futurebird 02:24, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Hi futurebird. Thanks for your prompt attention. Obviously, as I have outlined above, I disagree that the comment should be in the article at all. However, I am loathe to escalate the disagreement, and also consider it bad wikiquette to request WP3 and then ignore it just because it isn't what I want to hear. I will concede that the statement may be included with fact tag, but feel that it should have a tighter time frame. If the other party is so sure that the statement is verifiable, then they should back up the claim a lot sooner than a few months from now. Devious Viper 02:48, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Considering that it is pretty libelous if not true-- I think you are right-- two weeks ought to be enough...futurebird

If a court awarded temporary custody based on the molestations, then we have a reliable source to say the claim isn't true. According to policy/Jimmy Wales: "I can NOT emphasize this enough. There seems to be a terrible bias among some editors that some sort of random speculative 'I heard it somewhere' pseudo information is to be tagged with a 'needs a cite' tag. Wrong. It should be removed, aggressively, unless it can be sourced. This is true of all information, but it is particularly true of negative information about living persons." [1]. I believe it is too serious and damaging a claim, especially considering the testimony has been recognised by a court, to leave it in with the fact tag. I feel the generic solution that futurebird suggested is inappropriate here when considering the details. I suggest: leave it out entirely until it can be sourced. RB972 03:18, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

He's not alive... futurebird 03:23, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

I know. I meant Keri Jewell, whom the claim accused of lying in court to get attention. However that quote applies to all information regardless if they're living. I'm not sure why you responded with this as the claim is positive towards David Koresh. RB972 03:33, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

I have rarely seen such a rat's nest of despicable lies, even on wikipedia. The Congressional testimony was that Jewell had made contradictory comments regarding the issues involving the molestation claims since the custody issue years prior. Additonally, Jewell, who was living with her mother and grandmother during the time of the supposed molestation, was called a liar by both those very same people. I guess the confusion stems from the fact that earlier claims of molestation magically morphed into a supposed "rape" after the siege.Ernham 10:03, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

You are showing a blatant disregard for the facts of the case.

1. The testimony given at Congress was not materially different to that given in 1992.
2. The testimony given on the opening day of the congressional hearing was by Kiri, and consisted of the claim of molestation, NOT that she had made contradictory statements.
   
3. Kiri's grandmother did not testify to Congress.
4. There is NO evidence for your claim that she was called a liar by her family, other than conspiracy-theorist bulletin board chatter.
5. If you feel that there are "lies" in the article, you are at liberty to find counterclaims and insert them, providing they are from verifiable sources. I would have added the reference for the grandmother story myself, had such a reference existed.

There is still a lot more that can be added to this biography, and I would have done so had I not been involved in this crusade of yours; eg his insistence that the FBI provide fresh milk for the children; statements made by eye witnesses and surviving children about his kindness. Devious Viper 10:34, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

No, neither of them testified at the hearings. Where, exactly, did i ever say they did? You are presenting a bogus strawman argument that flies in the face of testimony given during the congressional hearings, which revealed 1. she made multiple contradictory statements regarding these issues, 2. her mother believed she was liar, 3. Her grandmother believed she was liar. Her claim of "rape" is indeed different from her earlier claims related to the molestation/custody battle.Ernham 10:49, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Hi Ernham. Hope you are well today. Okay, you stated: "had you bothered to watch the hearings yourself, you would have known that Jewell was "outted" both by her mother and grandmother for fabricating the supposed rape for attention." This was in the discussion that you keep blanking from your user talk page for some reason, and which can be read now at my talk page. You keep referring to the Congressional hearing as investigating or refuting Kiri Jewell's testimony. IT DID NOT. In fact, had you taken time to read the reports and transcripts, you would have seen that the response from Congress was:

David Koresh has never been a hero to me. I think it's obvious that he broke laws. In my

view, if he'd have surrendered, at some point, the greatest loss of life which did occur may well not have occurred. And I want to say to you, Kiri, personally, that I'm very sorry that you were not protected from David Koresh. I'm very sorry that you were not protected during this hearing, because it could have been arranged that you testify with no cameras going if we had

known what your testimony would have been, but I can only say to you I'm very glad you weren't in that compound in February of 1993, and later when it burned down."
(Steven Harvey Schiff, member of the United States House of Representatives)

Devious Viper 11:21, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

That's nice. I'm sure you can come up with even better stuff if you exam Chuck "scumbag" Schumer's various stomach-turning locutions on various issues related to this case. They have nothing to do with the facts in question, but that's nice nonetheless.Ernham 11:29, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Oh, here's a good one. Explosives can't kill! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LUIaRvFAi4 He said it, it must be true. Huh? It's as valid and informative as your silly quote above. Anyone can assume/believe Jewell's story, but that is beside the FACTS. The facts were she completely changed her earlier allegations in the custody battle involving supposed molestation, and that both her mother and grandmother wrote her off as liar. Ernham 12:02, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Ernham, GENUINE victims of sexual violence often re-envision events which concern allegations. That you persist to eclipse Jewell's testimony, and suffering, with your indefensible apologism for David Koresh demonstrates you possess not the slightest damn knowledge of criminal psychology or gender theory, or sensitivity and respect. The man was a paedophile and a misogynist and survivors have testified to this. Why do you believe the meer speculative BS of dimwitted bloggers? Why do you believe David Koresh's sympathetic mythologisers should be entitled to weigh in on a Wikipedia entry? -Unsigned

Request for Comment:Kiri Jewell testimony

This is a dispute about whether the section referring to Kiri Jewell's testimony should contain the unsourced qualifying statement that she has been accused of lying to Congress 13:00, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

Statements by editors previously involved in dispute

• Kiri Jewell's testimony to congress should not be qualified with comments that her mother and/or grandmother have called her a liar unless these can be backed with verifiable references, particularly as she is still a living person and maintains her evidence was true -- Devious Viper 13:00, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

• More strawmen. She hasn't been accused of lieing to Congress, merely facts added that cast doubts on her allegations: that she has repeatedly contradicted herself from the first claims of molestation charges in the custody battle(emtnioned in congress)and morphed her story into a "rape story"(complete with novel-like narrative), that she never pressed any charges against Koresh despite this alleged rape(not mentioned in congress, but nonetheless casts doubt), that her mother and grandmother thought she was lieing about it(both mentioned in congress).

As an aside, in the earlier custody battle/molestation case, there was never any molestation cited as grounds of action. Both parties(mother and father) agreed that one of the conditions of JCW was that she was not to have contact with any of the Branch Davidians or the Carmel Compound. It is presented differently--incorrect-- in text for this wiki. The judge did not do that, the parents were the sole arbiters.Ernham

Comments

Per Wikipedia policy, unsourced or poorly sourced controversial material must be immediately removed from biographies of living persons Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons#Remove unsourced or poorly sourced controversial material, especially if potentially libelous. This is not a biography of Kiri Jewell (the living person in question), but that's no reason to allow unsourced potentially libelous statements to sit around. If and when a reliable source can be found to support the allegation, it can be reinserted at that point. PubliusFL 17:50, 5 February 2007 (UTC)

It's not unsourced. It's the Congressional record. Can't much more "sourced" than that.Ernham 22:27, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

How do you know that Ernham? Where, specifically, did you learn this? RB972 22:35, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

By watching the hearings themselves.There is no way it is not on the Congressional record as the line of questioning was directly from one of the Senators.Ernham 22:42, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

Do you have any way to prove this? Did you watch the hearings in a video? RB972 23:09, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

OK, now I understand what you're talking about. You didn't watch the hearings, as you stated earlier, you watched Waco:Rules of Engagement. Specifically this exchange:

• Charles E. Schumer, US Congress, New York (D):

"Do you doubt the testimony of Kiri Jewell? Did you hear about that?"

• Dick DeGuerin (attorney for David Koresh)

"Yes, I did."

• Charles E. Schumer

"You doubt that?"

• Dick DeGuerin

"Yes."

• Charles E. Schumer

"Do you doubt that, Mr. Zimmerman?"

• Jack Zimmerman, (attorney for Steve Schneider)

"Yes, sir. Do you know why?"

• Charles E. Schumer

"Yeah, you can tell me why."

• Jack Zimmerman

"We didn't learn of that the first time until she testified at this hearing. She, she's . . . that of kind of claim that has been made for some time. Her own mother didn't believe that."

• Charles E. Schumer

"Right."

• Jack Zimmerman

"There's been doubts about contradictory statements that she's made in the past. Now, it may be 100 percent true."

• Charles E. Schumer

"You're wasting my time. My time is up. In my judgment, in many ways, these witnesses are trying to deny things that just about everybody else accepts as fact about David Koresh."

Forty seconds of the hearing, and never raised again. Zimmerman unwittingly backs up the fact that the allegation had been made before, then speaks on behalf of the dead mother; but Zimmerman is an attorney and realises the dangerous legal thin ice he's about to step on and states quite clearly: "Now, it may be 100% true"

And ten seconds earlier he said Jewell was making contradictory statements???

And you think an attorney defending his client by suggesting there is doubt - without any evidence - about an allegation levelled at him, is reliable source?? Well, let's run with this, see where it goes. There is a section full of reliably sourced and referenced evidence that Koresh was a paedophile and rapist. If you think that it serves NPOV to add, "While admitting that "it may be 100 percent true", Steve Schneider's attorney expressed doubt over the veracity of Jewell's allegations aginst Koresh", then go right on and do it. In fact, I'll do it for you. Happily. Devious Viper 10:31, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Nah, though I've also seen that. I didn't recall if it had that part in it, however. The actual comment he made was that both the grandmother and mother had they believed she was lieing, not just mother. So wherever you got that from is partially wrong.Ernham 15:24, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

"dangerous thin ice?" Huh? No one is 100% sure if it ever happened or not. There is alsways the chance it did/did not, in the absence of empirical proof. Also, he wasn't a defense lawyer for Koresh. I like how you keep inventing facts that both convey your ignorance of Koresh and the Congressional hearings regarding Waco as well as make your POV blatantly obvious.Ernham 18:24, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Ernham, an encyclopaedia requires subjectivity, not your complicity to conspiracy.

• "Kiri Jewell ... has been accused of lying to Congress" well, no, before Congress it was stated her story may have been true but she had made contradictory statements about the subject in the past. It is undeniable that Kiri's mother was one of Koresh's "brides" and wanted her daughter to join Koresh's "House of David." It is established by David Koresh's own tape explaining his "New Light" revelation that he was a polygamist and believed that a girl who had her menses was eligible to become a wife and mother (his only legal wife was fourteen when they married). Koresh was obviously no saint but there have been polygamist cults with charismatic leaders before (Koreshian Unity under Cyrus Reed Teed and House of David under Benjamin Parnell) that were tolerated and let live their seperate ways in peace. In Koresh's case the agencies with jurisdiction on matters of underage sex and child welfare have stated that while third parties made allegations against Koresh, they could not get the girls or their parents or guardians to file legal charges or formal complaints; also, the allegations of beatings or spankings with wooden paddles were investigated and insufficient evidence was found to bring charges there either. I know that when he signed off on the Treasury Dept report on Waco, government expert Henry Ruth stated that part of the motivation of the ATF was to enforce the morals of our society by retaliating against these odd people; but Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has no jurisdiction over sexual or child discipline practices. It is beginning to look like some folks appear OK with BATF trumping up gun charges to justify raiding and punishing the Davidians over their lifestyle, and that is scarier to me than Koresh could ever be. (Minor aside: the hearings excerpted in the documentary Waco:Rules of Engagement were broadcast first on CSPAN cable TV coverage of Congress.)Naaman Brown (talk) 18:40, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

I've known Kiri Jewell for almost 2 years and I only knew of her Branch Davidian association after a Google search and watching the YouTube videos of her Tom Snyder appearance, but I would a) vouch for her character, and b) absolutely demand a source claiming that anyone of any credential or legal auhority had accused her of lying before Congress. --Scottandrewhutchins (talk) 18:17, 30 March 2009 (UTC)

I think accusing someone of "lying" for making "inconsistent statements" about a trauma that occurred when they were ten years old is unrealistic. I believe that David Jewell did the right thing in getting Kiri Jewell away from the influence of David Koresh and Sherri Jewell. However, we should not lose track of the facts that (A) David Jewell got Kiri out of the Branch Davidian by using the courts, and (B) Koresh abided by the court decision. Whitewashing Koresh and smearing Kiri are despicable, but her testimony was used to distract from the overwelming issues: the raid, siege and final attack were the wrong way to handle the situation and were grossly mismanaged by current CIRG standards. The Jewell court case was handled properly; the raid was not. 76.7.121.242 (talk) 16:23, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

I knew Kiri Jewell at the time and I'd agree with Scottandrewhutchins above as far as her character and veracity. David Jewell was a minor local celebrity, so both the siege and court proceedings were covered extensively here. There was never any hint, either personally or in the local media, that Kiri wasn't telling the truth. Believing a cult member (Sherri) over a child claiming abuse, especially when prior abuse of others has been documented, is utterly contemptible.

12 year old mothers

It would help if the editors adding or reverting this change could QUOTE the underlying source exactly, so there's no question about what it says. Wjhonson 17:46, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Hi. Nema problema - I've added the precise source - the affidavit from Aguillera - into the Harvard ref, which already linked to the actual DoJ source document, and 66 and 99'd the controversial phrase. Devious Viper 18:30, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

From this wiki: "Koresh acknowledged on a videotape sent out of the compound during the standoff that he had fathered more than 12 children by several "wives", some of whom were as young as 12 or 13 when they became pregnant" This is completely bogus. You are buested--AGAIN. You are asserting or using allegations OTHER people made while claiming that Koresh himself was the one that said them. Where is your source that says KORESH says he had 12-13 year old wives and/or had fathered children with 12-13 year olds. You don't have it. More of the same from you.Ernham 18:35, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Oh, do be brief. You're just undermining your own credibility now. You just go on right ahead and edit the article how you want it to look, ok? "David Koresh was a Saint -- nay -- THE MESSIAH!" To demonize the potentially criminal actions of the FBI/ATF does NOT require you to BEATIFY Koresh. And vice versa. Get over it - he was a paedophile, a kiddy-fiddler. If he'd survived the siege he'd have been shanked in the big house before he even reached trial. We all know that, the evidence is overwhelming. Just report it as it is, your NPOV is no longer credible, as witnessed by these constant bouts of histrionics. "Just say No!" is a great anti-drug mantra, but as a debating tactic, it fails miserably. Devious Viper (talk · contribs) 21:29, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

I'm not sure what passes for "overwhelming evidence" over there in Englad, good chap, but if the shoddy, constantly changing testimonies of one or two ex-cult members hardly passes as such over here. Even the Judiciary report said that even today there is no evidence upon which they could ever indict or convict Koresh on any charges related to child and/or sexual abuse. There are over half a dozen affidavits that attest no child abuse of any kind was occuring there(including child protective services and other government agencies), compared to half or less that claim there was any kind of abuseErnham 22:49, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, whatever. Make it up as you go along. You just ignore the evidence from, eg Bruce Perry. The world-reknowned medical and psychological team that put together... er, shoddy constantly changing testimony. Devious Viper (talk · contribs) 23:03, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Perry thinks corporal punishment is child abuse; however, most other people in the country do not. Btw, I think using multiple IPs is against the rules. Ernham 23:18, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Ernham, seeing as the majority of developing countries are now criminalising the smacking of children, let alone belting the s--- out of them with a paddle, your "argument", or lack of, is both ridiculous and fallacious. Further, if you actually engage with gender studies, sociology and criminology, you will see paedophilia, and pseudo-paedophilia, is just a little bit more dynamic than your "understanding" of the issues and that whether or not enough evidence exists to convict the man in a court of law isn't the point.

You guys have never heard of the secret Jesuit Society or the Black Pope? You think this is fiction? It is through the Jesuit organization that the Church carries out her plans today. You think the Church will rule the world for over 1.7 millennia and then when her power is taken away she will just sit back and take it like a chump? NOOOOOOOO…. If you believe this, you are deluded. The Church is as powerful today as ever, the voice of God on earth to millions worldwide.

You don’t see that this was an irresistible opportunity to the Jesuits? They have spies in every branch of government and church organization, and regularly cause divisions and trouble among Protestants, their sworn enemy.

The Branch Davidians became especially vulnerable after the dispute over the leadership and ownership of Mount Carmel. Then in 1987 some fanatic joined, (probably a Jesuit spy, the name was Mark Brealt), contended for leadership in 1989, and was disfellowshipped. There was a divorce and custody battle which gave Brealt an opportunity to give his false testimony in court, making Koresh look like a pedophile and rapist, and the people to look like brainwashed fanatics. (watch “[Wako: The Big Lie]”)

Koresh already had too many enemies that he never asked for. Does anyone think they would not have had guns under his circumstance? The man saw how things where going and was bracing himself for a big attack, and probably living every day as though it where his last.

I can imagine important Jesuit leaders worldwide clamoring to hear the news, canceling appointments to organize things against the Branch Davidians, to take full advantage of this juicy opportunity. Many things where accomplished for the Pope here.

So you have these Catholics claiming to be ex-Davidians testifying of sexual abuse on the ranch. No doubt they where told by their Jesuit leaders they would shave years off their time in Purgatory for their faithful service to the Pope. It was a bad cover, because the girl who gave her false testimony wore make-up and the Davidian women had a very long tradition of wearing no make-up, (notice the women at the compound, including David’s wife). And the other young man who said David spanked his child in front of him for 30-40 minutes? That’s ridiculous. Ask that man about any subject of bible prophecy and I guarantee you he will not be able to tell you. Where are these false witnesses today? To understand the way the Jesuits have operated for the last 350 years, you have to check out Alberto Rivera’s http://www.chick.com/comicimages/0112/0112_allinone.jpg And here are videos by another man who was assassinated for exposing the Jesuits, 1 2 3

All this was said after all had died and where no longer able to defend themselves. All died but the Jesuit spies of course.

Of course those in control of the media will do whatever it takes to make these people look really bad, or else the public might sympathize with the Davidians and start to question the Legislation.

So who wins in this? What is the message? The message I see is “if you study your bible seriously you will join a cult and be killed and defamed in the public eye”. Therefore it’s safest to just trust the Priesthood and the Powers That Be, and just don’t ask questions and don’t get too serious about the bible. The Catholic Church smells like a rose and the Seventh-Day Adventist church looks like a cult, and the practice of studying the bible seriously seems like a dangerous thing. That’s what the Papacy has been teaching all through the dark ages, that it’s dangerous to let the common people study the bible, they will take it out of context and begin plucking out their eyes because of certain verses. They need to just trust their priests.

http://www.skepticfiles.org/waco/seals.htm <-- This is a pretty good bible study, not the work of a sex fiend. Serious bible students like this do not become so deranged. That’s what the Papacy would like you to think. The Bible and the Papacy have always been sworn enemies.

Perhaps, but there do exist self-styled "serious bible study groups" that are pretty deranged. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:49, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

Let the blood of all her martyrs have a voice.

Matthew 23:34-35 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

• Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
• Gen 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
• Rev 6:10-11 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

The white robes are a vindication before the world that the martyrs where not “heretics”, but the true servants of God. This verse states clearly that there will be another inquisition before the Second Coming of Christ. The Waco incident was just a foreshadow.

• Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

The wounded beast is Rome; the image is the image of Rome, another Church / State alliance totally forsaking our rights and freedoms in the interest of national security. Oh, we’ve seen this so many times in history. Rush4hire 16:46, 16 August 2007 (UTC)

What the shit is the above post and how is it relevant to anything, ever? 70.113.67.75 (talk) 05:32, 23 April 2013 (UTC)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2600:387:F:4C1B:0:0:0:1 (talk) 21:05, 22 April 2022 (UTC)

Minor issue

There is one paragraph in the article that should either be removed or changed to reflect the facts. It says:

The children were taught that Koresh's mission was to lead them into the final battle that would end the world and take them onto eternal glory. They used to chant: "We are soldiers in the army. We've got to fight. Some day we have to die. We have to hold up the blood-stained banner. We have to hold it up until we die."[38]

The "chant" they claim to have been using sounds rather macabre and death-idealizing, but it is actually a youth praise song still in use by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is a song of commitment using the metaphor of the Christian soldier, and has nothing to do with Branch Davidians or David Koresh, except perhaps that they/he apparently borrowed the song. The complete lyrics make the Christian context more obvious:
We Are Soldiers

Verse:
(Insert name or group here) was a soldier
He had his hand on the Gospel plow
One day he got old, he couldn't fight anymore
He said, "Stand up and fight anyhow."

Chorus:
We are soldiers in the army
We have to fight although we have to die
We have to hold up the blood-stained banner
We have to hold it up until we die

(Repeat, changing name each time)

It should be obvious from the complete lyrics and the fact that this song is sung in a denomination that rejected Koresh that this is not a reference to Koresh's mission. The army mentioned is the Christian army, the fighting is spiritual warfare, and the banner is the blood-stained banner of Christ. If they had sung "Onward, Christian Soldiers," would anyone have considered that a reference to Koresh's mission? Taking the complete lyrics and meaning into consideration, the song quote should be removed as unrelated. I think that the statement introducing the song quote is or appears to be based on the song itself, and therefore that it too should be removed, along with the footnote. --Cromwellt|talk 21:28, 28 March 2007 (UTC)(login problems)

I agree. I shall remove it now Devious Viper 22:45, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

I did a search on the lyrics of that song (We are soldiers in the army / We have to fight although we have to die / We have to hold up the blood-stained banner / We have to hold it up until we die) and found this:

• We Are Soldiers. Gospel Hymn. African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, Illinois: GIA Publications, 2001. #488
• quoted in Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., "Burke Marshall—Civil Rights Leader", Yale Law Review, Vol. 113, p. 804, used as an epitaph to a civil rights leader
• one personal blog dated 2009 recalled hearing that song in Vacation Bible School in an African-American church in North Carolina "forty-some years ago".

Naaman Brown (talk) 19:34, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

Umm, is this context meant to make Christians come out any better. Oh wait, the fighting is spiritual, silly me to misunderstand. 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:46, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

Meaning of "Koresh" confusion

Yes, "Koresh" is the transliteration of Hebrew for the name we usually spell "Cyrus" in English, however as far as I can tell, it does NOT mean "death" or anything so related in either Greek or Hebrew/Aramaic, and I can't think what other languages would be relevant to check. In fact, from looking at more of the transcribed conversation it is clear that Koresh made up that meaning. Not to mention that Christ is NOT the rider of the pale horse (Rev 6:7-8). To avoid confusion, perhaps this should be noted in the article. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 4.88.157.29 (talk) 02:21, 31 March 2007 (UTC).

How do you know he even said that? I want to hear a tape. Rush4hire 09:01, 15 August 2007 (UTC)

During a personal phone conversation I had with Koresh, I would say around 1990, he told me personally that Koresh meant death. You could say that he "made it up," but that is not really accurately describing what he actually thought he was doing. He believed he was an inspired prophet of God so it would be perfectly natural for him to have had a revelation of the kind that allowed him to say that Koresh means death. He said it was the sound people make when they die. Dbunds (talk) 14:57, 18 April 2017 (UTC)

— According to Strong's Hebrew Lexicon, "Koresh" means "posses thou the furnace", which makes it somewhat prophetic. ____ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2607:FEA8:1BA0:3C00:C3E:F73B:9631:6C30 (talk) 13:11, 12 May 2020 (UTC)

Name, Koresh or Howell

The article does not consistently use a last name, switching between Koresh and Howell, seemingly at random. It was a little confusing for me at first, so I was wondering if it would make more sense to just choose one (or at least use them more consistently, for example "Howell" for early life and "Koresh" for after he took that name).-Andrew c 05:21, 6 May 2007 (UTC)

It would be consistent to use "Howell" up to the date he started using "Koresh" since researching contemporaneous records one would find records under "Howell" up to the time the name was changed by the court, and "Koresh" used most frequently thereafter. I consider using "Koresh" before the name change anachronistic. This subject is hard enough to follow with the frequent violations of factual timeline. Referencing the article Some critics say the switch arose from his alleged belief I believe that multiple sources including supporters of Vernon Howell aka David Koresh source the Cyrus and Biblical house of David connections of the name David Koresh to quotes attributed to Vernon Howell himself, so it is not a matter of "critics" saying that. Also referencing the article as of Feb 09, it is not uncommon in Texas to have death certificate list the name on the birth certificate even if one has had a legal name change. Naaman Brown (talk) 17:49, 18 February 2009 (UTC)

Clinton's bodyguards

We have to keep in mind also that the 4 ATF agents who died just happened to be former body guards for Bill Clinton. What would you do if you where Bill and you needed these guys killed to cover up for something? You wouldn't take advantage of an opportunity like this? Well no one's perfect. We read in the bible about how King David had a man killed to cover up for his adultery in 2 Samuel ch 11. People in power do this kind of stuff regularly. They sacrifice the lives of a few for what they consider to be "the good of the many".

"it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." (John 11:50) You can read on this page about alot of people asociated with Clinton who mysteriously died. -Unsigned

Ahhh, the right wing conspiracy lives on, complete with Bible thumping and Clinton bashing. It's like the 90s never ended. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.113.67.75 (talk) 05:39, 23 April 2013 (UTC)

It is interesting though that he cites one of David's (Old Testament David) many reprehensible deeds. Christians seem quite inured to how awful these biblical men of God were. 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:43, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

WS:COTW

This is a note to inform all interested watchers of this article that Wikisource has chosen the Branch Davidians and Waco Siege as their Collaboration of the Week. This means that we are spending this week collecting, copying and formatting Public Domain documents related to the church and its 1993 siege. This includes speeches by David Koresh, Federal documents in the aftermath of the siege, the charges against Lon Horiuchi and the surviving church members, and early church documents whose copyright have expired.

We would encourage you all to come help us, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a question on my talk page - either on Wikisource or Wikipedia! I hope to see some of you there, helping us document the primary sources for future research and historical analysis! Sherurcij ^{(Speaker for the Dead)} 21:17, 28 January 2008 (UTC)

Reason for raid

The article says that the compound was "raided by ATF" but doesn't say why. As I recall, the reason claimed by ATF had to do with a large volume of suspected illegal weapons. Was it claims of rape or child abuse? It doesn't even mention possibilities. I learned very little from this article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.62.23.202 (talk) 19:43, 26 November 2008 (UTC)

Agreed. ATF was involved because of Koresh's massive weapons arsenal, including some believed to be illegal. Has this article been sanitized of that key aspect? --Art Smart ^Chart/Heart 17:49, 31 December 2012 (UTC)

Mother

Mother's age at death

I've removed this edit [2] which states "Curiously, or carelessly, the press reports have been stating she was sixty years old, which would have made her ten years old at Mr. Koresh's birth." The source does include her age at sixty, although the original source dealing with the murder states she was sixty-four. Since the original source agrees with the sources detailing David Koresh's birth in the article, it seems to be accurate. The added sentence seems to be OR, assigning motives to an error in the press. I'll leave it here for other editors to discuss, if it actually adds something to the page, feel free to add it back. Dayewalker (talk) 05:29, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

Mother's name

A lot of information about David Koresh's mother seems to get muddled in the media. Like this source while listing it in the title as Haldeman (which seems correct since it seems to be a name) lists that Sky News, it's original source (which I actually can't find) consistantly listed her name 3 times as Halderman. Due to this I'm not sure if I should just redirect this mispel to this article? Anyway, do we know any more information about her murderer, sister Beverly Clark? Bonnie Clark's full name was Bonnie Sue Clark but she seemed to have omitted the middle name when changing to Bonnie Clark Haldeman (changed her last name to a middle name). So it makes me wonder if the Clark sister's parents also gave Beverly a middle name. Tyciol (talk) 17:43, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Wilson's 'The Devil's Party' as a source

I have some issue with using Colin Wilson's 'The Devil's Party' as a source. First off it is not an academic book--it is not properly referenced. There are no foot notes or any citation for the numerous quotes he uses. Wilson's writes the book based off the assumption that pervert/sex craziness is related to becoming a Messiah-contender and this shows greatly in this article. Almost everything about Koresh's early life in this article concerns some sort of sexual malfeasance, almost to the point of silliness. Does this article really have to rely on Wilson's questionable book to talk about Koresh's early life? Peter Napkin Dance Party (talk) 22:05, 21 April 2009 (UTC)

Schneider's lawyer

Does anyone have any info on whether this is spelled Jack Zimmerman or Jack Zimmermann? I found a lot of sources with the single 'n' but for example this source lists it with 2. Also I found this so I am inclined to think this is the more accurate spelling (plus it comes with a middle initial!). The summary says "Mr. Zimmermann was counsel for a leader of the Branch Davidian religious group involved in the shootout with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the subsequent 51 day stand-off with the FBI near Waco, Texas" so I am inclined to think this is the correct person. Tyciol (talk) 17:58, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Rock Singer?

I remember German media claiming in 1993 that Koresh was a former rock singer. Is that so? --217.232.202.128 (talk) 16:36, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

Vernon Howell (David Koresh) played guitar and sang in church services at Mt Carmel; his band did play a few times at clubs in Waco; former members (such as David Thibodeau) have written that he recruited them through music. His status as a "rock singer" was very localised. Naaman Brown (talk) 16:08, 27 May 2010 (UTC)

I saw Koresh play acoustic guitar at Chelsea Street Pub, a tavern-type pub at the main mall on Waco. Late 80s. I recall very clearly people mentioning that the guitarist was the leader of the "hippie cult" that lived out on a ranch a ways out of Waco. I was vaguely aware that there was indeed some compound in the area with a religious group. I was a student at Baylor at the time. Couldn't believe it years later when the incident took place. 98.163.90.86 (talk) 02:59, 13 November 2010 (UTC)Vainamoinen

I met David Koresh in 1990 at Cue Stick in Lacy Lakeview, Texas. I was told that some of the Branch Davidson's built the stage at Cue Stick by one of the members of Flashback. After that, their venue was moved to Chelsea Street Pub at Richland Mall in Waco,Texas. He went to venues of local bands, one band being Flashback and the other being Whirling Dervish. I have no knowledge of any other bands. I have never seen David Koresh preform in public,only in various documentaries. David Koresh occasionally ate at my restaurant and spoke with two of the band members of Flashback.They were friends that worked with myself and my husband.

Source:Jackie Bowen, owner of Jackie's Cafe in Waco, Texas GETITRIGHTTHISTIME79 (talk) 19:33, 18 May 2023 (UTC)

So, according to the "Raid and Siege" section, the FBI intentionally murdered the Davidians?

In the "Raid and Siege" section, Waco: The Rules of Engagement is cited for saying that: 1) the FBI deliberately set the fire with incendiary devices; 2) FBI sharpshooters fired on those attempting to flee the fire. Strong claims require strong citations, and not one sensational documentary. I would think these claims should be removed. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Petzl (talk • contribs) 13:51, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

A sequel to Rules of Engagement, Waco: A New Revelation can be purchased at David Thibodeau's website Wacosurvivors.com You will find FBI Negotiation tapes, David Koresh Music, David Koresh sermons, Waco: A Survivors Story book and DVDs miniseries, and much more. GETITRIGHTTHISTIME79 (talk) 20:17, 18 May 2023 (UTC)

There are infrared recordings of something fired from ATF tank into compound ( on a PBS NOVA program). It looks distinctly like there was no firing from the compound to warrant it. It looked like a machine gun, but, since I don't know exact configuration of the tank, it could have been tear gas or something. The muzzle flash in unmistakable. I wish I had the exact year and date for the program--I will simply google NOVA and see what comes up.

This article is Very well-written--shows Both sides for a change. However, the ATF Could have taken Koresh Peacefully several times when he left the compound on his bicycle. The article should also mention the original warrant was for illicit sex with minors, then the ATF "pencilled-in: "firearms". They knew no Texas judge would ok a warrant for guns.the Texas authorities admitted Koresh was "wierd" but did not want to get involved, as they knew just being "odd" wasn't a crime.68.231.184.217 (talk) 22:03, 30 June 2011 (UTC)

In fact, this article is very badly written and full of extremely biased and completely unsubstantiated anti-government conspiracy theory. TheScotch (talk) 09:25, 22 July 2012 (UTC)

The Branch Davidson's honor the four ATF agents who died and have a memorial at Mount Carmel Center. The ATF does not. They were here in Waco February 28th, 2023 for a memorial at Waco's historic suspension bridge. They did not acknowledge the deaths of any of the Branch Davidson's, not even the adults who were children that were negotiated out during the stand off. GETITRIGHTTHISTIME79 (talk) 20:25, 18 May 2023 (UTC)

as quickly transpired though they did have large amounts of illegal firearms 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:41, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

? GETITRIGHTTHISTIME79 (talk) 20:26, 18 May 2023 (UTC)

In Regards to Koresh's Sexual Acts with Young Girls

I believe that by using the term "sleeping with" in the fourth paragraph of the second section it is misleading and in effect minimizing Koresh's crimes. In the state of Texas it is considered rape to have sex with a twelve year old and it would also be considered rape to have sex with a fourteen year old before marriage. I have changed the wording in the paragraph to reflect this.74.192.163.33 (talk) 18:49, 24 November 2010 (UTC)Syd15

Sounds like deliberate trolling to me. The article is a mess and in no way gives an unbiased outline of David Koresh. The articles is a shame of an encyclopedic entry. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jasonmchristos (talk • contribs) 13:53, 1 December 2010 (UTC)

New Testament memorization

I would like to call attention to the following quote in the article. "Despite his dyslexia, by the age of 11, Koresh had memorized the entire New Testament."

This is very probably not true. I joined David Koresh and his movement in 1984 and was involved for 5 years. During that entire time he never once demonstrated any memorization of the New Testament. When he needed to refer to a particular text, he had to look it up just like anybody else in the group.

The very likely source of this story is Koresh's mother, Bonnie and she probably came to believe this because of Koresh himself. Koresh had a very definite "showoff" component to his personality and it is not hard to understand why an 11 year old boy, who was feeling picked on and humiliated would want to impress people with something. I suspect that he demonstrated to his mother around this time that he had memorized some portion of the bible and this tale grew in the telling.

Whatever the source of the story, based on my personal experience it is almost certainly false. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dbunds (talk • contribs) 14:26, 28 July 2011 (UTC)

You are probably right. However, Koresh is on record as making such claims, repeatedly, and that is where the story comes from. 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:38, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

I don't think it's all that far-fetched. While it perhaps sounds impressive to Westerners, in the Muslim world the memorization of the ENTIRE Qur'an is a popular aspiration, and there are yearly competitions for boys of middle school age, see: Hafiz (Quran), though it says the current number of such people is in the tens of millions, it doesn't appear to cite the source. But it's a common enough thing, and the Qur'an is even longer than the New Testament, and those memorizing it are frequently completely unable to converse in any dialect of Arabic, let alone the Classical 6th Century prose of the Qur'an. So if millions of children can memorize a holy book and recite it in an unfamiliar tongue, I don't think there's any real reason to assume that Koresh MUST have been lying. In addition, the infamous fundamentalist Baptist pastor Steve Anderson has memorized much of the Old and New Testaments, despite not having had a day's enrollment in seminary or any other post-secondary school. PenitentWhaler (talk) 02:03, 18 March 2012 (UTC)

I didn't say it was far-fetched. Of course people can memorize anything if they put into the effort. The point I want to make is, I WAS THERE. I sat and listened to Koresh for literally thousands of hours and not one single time did he demonstrate any New Testament memorization. This EYEWITNESS testimony makes it unlikely that he actually had memorized the New Testament. Not impossible mind you, just unlikely. Dbunds (talk) 14:48, 18 April 2017 (UTC)

Did David Koresh call 911

It's alleged that David Koresh called 911 after they've been shot at by the ATF? Does anyone know more. --41.151.71.56 (talk) 11:53, 5 February 2012 (UTC)

I believe there was more than one 911 call made from the compound during the initial firefight, and one of them was from Koresh. At any rate, from what I recall the 911 operator rather immediately put him through to someone who was a deputy sherriff (according to Frontline). I believe this is the same phone call where a cease fire was negotiated and the ATF asked to pick up their wounded without being fired upon. There is a 1995 "Frontline" Report/Reprospective on Waco on youtube. It has audio of the phone call. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.194.193.129 (talk) 06:46, 14 March 2012 (UTC)

Wayne Martin made the initial 911 call. He was a Branch Davidian and he was a lawyer. Contrary to popular belief, the Branch Davidians were free to come and go as they pleased. Many had jobs in Waco. I worked with Clive Doyle at Waco Health Food Store for almost two years. Clive Doyle passed away June 8th, 2022. He had Pancreatic Cancer. Larry Lynch(great name there! David Koresh said something similar to what I said.)was a lieutenant in the McLennan County Sheriff's Office. Lynch served as a liaison between Branch Davidians representatives and federal agents during the first hours of the siege. Larry Lynch retired in 2012. Parnell McNamara is our current McLennan County Sheriff. The negotiation tapes can be found on David Thibodeau's website, Wacosurvivors.com The 911 calls are on Waco: American Apocalypse miniseries. A great source of information about the Branch Davidians is Catherine Wessingers YouTube Channel. She is a religion scholar and has been a key figure and liaison for the Branch Davidians. James Tabors YouTube channel is also very detailed and informative about the Branch Davidians. As is Dr Stuart Wright. He can be found on Catherine Wessingers YouTube Channel.

Source: Branch Davidian Survivors and Catherine Wessinger.

Footnote:Charles Pace, the squatter at Mount Carmel Center is not a branch Davidian survivor. He wasn't anywhere near Mount Carmel Center. He followed the Rodens and even they kicked him off the land, twice! If you plan to visit Mount Carmel Center please do not give him money! None of the children survivors get any money. He keeps the money and lies. The Branch Davidians do not support Donald Trump but Charles Pace has turned the church into a shrine of all things Trump. Trump knew exactly what he was doing in Waco,Texas April 19th,2023. The 30th anniversary of the Siege on Mount Carmel Center. GETITRIGHTTHISTIME79 (talk) 21:55, 18 May 2023 (UTC)

"Gang rape" claim

The 2nd paragraph of the "Early Life" section says "Koresh described his early childhood as lonely, and it has been alleged that he was once gang raped by older boys when he was 8", but these claims are never made in the source that is cited as evidence. The citation given is for the 2nd entry on the reference list, a video called "Final 24 Episode on David Koresh". This episode of the "Final 24" series, widely available for free viewing online, never mentions or implies that Koresh might have been raped or otherwise abused sexually at any point in his life, nor does it say that Koresh described his early childhood as lonely. Another comment writer said that this page had been vandalized at some point; maybe this gang rape claim is a plausible-enough-sounding remnant of that vandalism accidentally left up. It is also possible that the author just cited the wrong source, but after searching online I was unable to find any corroborating evidence for the gang rape claim that did not reference this Wikipedia page, or the same Final 24 episode. If I knew how to use those "not in citation" markers (or whatever they're called), I would've done so, but I'm reluctant to just remove the entire sentence on suspicion that its false/vandalism. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.138.252.49 (talk) 05:44, 26 March 2012 (UTC)

The sentence "and it has been alleged that he was once gang raped by older boys when he was 8." has been disputed as not verified in a reliable source. The given source is: Wilson, Colin (2000), The Devil's Party, London: Virgin Books, ISBN 1-85227-843-9. Book reviews of the source--Contemporary Review (via HighBeam, to which you should have an account), Utopian Studies (via HighBeam as well)--are not glowing and the author has a history of writing in some pretty fringe/paranormal areas. What do you think? Ocaasi ^{t | c} 19:31, 7 May 2012 (UTC)

I agree with your assessment of the source; I haven't read any of Wilson's books, but this book, "Devil's Party", was self-published and, according to reviews online, contains no footnotes or citations at all to substantiate any of his claims. Colin Wilson writes mainly on so-called "paranormal" topics (e.g. Atlantis, mysticism, psychics, alien contactees), and has been criticized (in Amazon reviews) for unscrupulously accepting supernatural claims as fact. Even if this book does in fact contain the claims that Koresh was "gang raped at age 8" or that he described his early childhood as "lonely", these could have been invented whole cloth by the author and without citations we have no way of verifying them. A small section of the book is available for viewing on Amazon, and I can verify that this sample section contains no footnotes or citations, and that the section on Koresh that I was able to read contained unsubstantiated conjecture interspersed with obvious facts and sweeping generalizations (e.g. "most people were impatient with the 'softly, softly' tactics of the authorities, and looked forward to the day when Koresh would be standing in court and sentenced to a long term of imprisonment"). Given the seemingly unreliable nature of this source, and the fact that "Devil's Party" seems to be the only source for this claim, I think removing the "gang rape" claim would be reasonable. The only place - other than Wikipedia - where I've seen this claim repeated is in articles that reference this Wikipedia page as the source of the claim, and in my research, Wilson seems to be the only person to have "discovered" this event from Koresh's early life. I don't want to edit the article without approval, so I'll wait for a response. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Belecassatt (talk • contribs) 07:54, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

The Devil's Party: A History Of Charlatan Messiahs By Colin Wilson

A large part of the article seems to be based on this book, without any supporting references... is it a reliable source? More references are needed to back up the claims made, especially since the book isn't an academic source. Zambelo; talk 22:05, 28 July 2014 (UTC)

 Genealogy?

It would be helpful to me to know more about Koresh' genealogy - ie. more than just who his parents were. I myself am quite severely mentally ill, and while not a cult leader, take quite an interest in studying cult phenomena. There is quite a good chance that he and I are blood relatives, as my father's side of the family are all Seventh Day Adventists, and my great aunt is from waco.

My father did quite a lot of genealogical research. Were I to start with my father's work, and were someone - I will do it if no one else has - to dig up Koresh' genealogy, I would like to see whether our lineages intersect, and if so, where.

Terroism

How is he considered a terroist when he wasn't the aggressive. What about government sponsored terroism? --166.170.57.194 (talk) 02:12, 21 December 2015 (UTC)-

All right. Now that we're both here, let's hope that this discussion doesn't escalate. Government-sponsored terrorism probably isn't applicable either because it isn't something like, say, Lockerbie, where the Libyan government actively abetted it (indeed, it made everything happen). This would probably be more in line with a grand fuck-up (pardon my French) by the government. You can consider him as not a terrorist (indeed, I'm leaning towards your position) but I'd rather wait for more consensus on this. Dschslava (talk) 02:17, 21 December 2015 (UTC)

Pinging @166.170.57.194: Dschslava (talk) 02:19, 21 December 2015 (UTC)

Agreed all he did was resist arrest. If that is qualified for terroism. Than half of all people arrested in this country is guilty of terroism. I mean don't get me wrong, David Koresh was a lot of things, But it's hard to be a terrorist inside your own house.--166.170.57.194 (talk) 02:22, 21 December 2015 (UTC)

producing illegal and quite powerful fire arms at a massive scale is in fact one way to be a terrorist in the comfort of your own home 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:36, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

User:RThompson82 is now editing and adding comments like ""I'm not sure why people think only non-Christians can be terrorists, but these people shouldn't be editing Wikipedia.)""

""‎(Not sure why people think only non-Christians can be terrorists.)"", Which leads me to believe he's only doing it for political purposes. Also considering he was the one who originally added Christian terrorism to the page as well as the waco page. I would like to hear why he fells like misusing the articles to attack Christians.--Fruitloop11 (talk) 07:47, 23 December 2015 (UTC)

The age of consent was 17 in Texas at the time

I deleted this paragraph:

At the time, in Texas, the age of parental consent for a minor to marry was 14, as was the age for consent to engage in sexual relations. In the documentary film, Waco: The Rules of Engagement (long version), Jack Harwell, Sheriff of McLennan County, stated: "You have to have proof to go into court... Keep in mind, too, that most of the girls who were involved were at least 14 years old and 14-year-olds get married with parental consent. So if their parents were there and letting things happen in the way of sexual activities and what have you with their 14-year-old kids, you have common law husbands and wives. I don't say that I agree with that and that I approve of it. But at the same time, if parents are there and they're giving parental consent, we have a problem with that in making a case."

The age in consent in Texas was 17 at the time, as per a contemporary The New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/04/us/growing-up-under-koresh-cult-children-tell-of-abuses.html?pagewanted=all Samboy (talk) 12:28, 26 March 2016 (UTC)

Here is the diff from 2006 that added the claim that the age of consent was 14 in Texas at the time; back in 2006, we would allow a claim like that to stand without a reference. In 2016, not so much. Since the editor who added the content hasn’t edited here since 2014, it’s probably a waste of time to inform the editor that I removed their 2006 edit. Samboy (talk) 12:52, 26 March 2016 (UTC)

One final thought: The current age of consent in Texas is 18 with there being harsher sentences if the kid is under 17 or under 14. The one that sets it at 17 is originally from 1973 (with time stamps from 1981, 1987, 1993, and 1999 which imply the act was unchanged those years). In a 2009 revision, they removed a marriage exception, but that does not apply in Koresh’s case because Texas forbids bigamy and polygamy (you could not legally marry in Texas if you were already married). Samboy (talk) 13:07, 26 March 2016 (UTC)

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Problems With Early Life Section

This section is incorrect at some points:

First of all my source? Myself. My name is David Bunds. I was raised a Branch Davidian and was a member of his group for 5 years.

1. Vernon Howell discovered the Branch Davidians as a result of a personal crisis he was going through regarding his ex-girlfriend Sandy Berlin. She was the daughter of the Pastor of the SDA church he was attending in Tyler, Texas at the time. He showed up at Mount Carmel Center in July, 1981. My wife, who was 12 at the time, was there with Rachel Jones and they together were called by Perry Jones to come and meet Vernon. He was 21 at the time, not 22. The 15 year old girl that he had gotten pregnant was Linda and that time he would have been when he was a bit younger, perhaps 20. He had not joined the Adventist church yet when he was involved with Linda.

2. "His band played a few times at clubs in Waco." This is incorrect. At this time, prior to his starting his prophetic ministry, Vernon did not have a band and never played in Waco. This was a few years later, after he had taken over Mount Carmel in 1988.

3. "Koresh also tried pursuing his own record company". Incorrect. At this time in his life he was focused on becoming a prophet in the Branch Davidian movement and was not interested in starting a record company. I am not aware of his ever wanting to do this, but if he did pursue such a thing, it would have been much later, around 1987 I would say, when he had the semi-hit song, "Mad Man Living In Waco." He did have a production company called Cyrus Productions, but I would not call it a record company. I really was not much of anything and never went anywhere. Dbunds (talk) 15:35, 18 April 2017 (UTC)

Vandalism

@78.26: The article David Koresh has just been heavily attacked by a vandal, can you undo the vandalism. Catfurball (talk) 18:33, 3 March 2020 (UTC)

@Catfurball: That's not vandalism. It may be the addition of unsourced material, but what was added is what I believe many reliable sources say about this topic. Are you sure that the sources don't state what the IP editor claims they do? What edit do you think is vandalism? 78.26 _{(spin me / revolutions)} 18:47, 3 March 2020 (UTC)

• @78.26: The last edit looked funny to me, that is why I raised the red flag. Maybe I'm wrong. Catfurball (talk) 18:55, 3 March 2020 (UTC)

I'd try talking with this editor first. Perhaps we should ping them and try to start a dialog. Hey, @2605:e000:af01:6a00:34c1:f6dd:58dd:c023:, do the sources support your changes? 78.26 _{(spin me / revolutions)} 19:20, 3 March 2020 (UTC)

When he was 19 years old, Koresh had an illegal sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl who became pregnant.

Raped. He raped a girl. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.152.151.194 (talk) 03:41, 30 April 2021 (UTC)

yes, the common crime that cannot speak its name. o tempora o mores 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:33, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

This ongoing drive to expand the concept of 'rape' and redefine the word to include all sex with a person below the age of consent is a very bad trend. The wording proposed by the OP would make the impression that Koresh suddenly attacked a girl and forcibly had sex with her (probably one time), which is very different from her being his girlfriend and her having sex with him of her own volition. Yes, both forced sex and voluntary sex below the age of consent are bad things, but they are not the same bad thing. Especially a relationship between two teenagers that happen to be on opposite sides of the age of consent line is not at all the same thing as one individual imposing sex on another against their will.--62.73.72.3 (talk) 15:53, 5 October 2024 (UTC)

Legitimacy of his living heirs

Myself and my half brothers and half sister are linked via the courts recognition as rightful heirs and reiterated by my grandmother (Bonnie) who was at first hesitant to expose his “house of David” (Cyrus, sky, and myself were the only ones to endure persistent and excessive physical punishment at his hand where he made me so fearful of him I would try and laugh and clap while shaking and crying which upset his egos paradigm wherein the love he deserved and adoration was marked by his making his time and attention a currency of sorts. We were supposed to adore him). While he insisted our mothers leave the father entry blank on our birth certificates, I couldn’t look more like him and I have dna tests. My brother has participated in the programs for narrative reinforcement to make their absolute failure to materialize even a semblance of competence somehow my both evil and insane fathers fault entirely, in spite of the truth being so simple: Rodrigues informed them the element of surprise was lost and yet they contradict themselves so emphatically with contentions that aren’t the least bit rational and failed to follow protocol. Even if Rodrigues had claimed they appeared fearful and were praying in disorganized apprehensive catatonia or whatever it was they twisted his meaning by, the simple reality is that they never did any real work to truly advance the specificity this operation required for the safety of innocents. Somehow the victimization of the dead has been their go to condemnation. How dare they have the incompetence to “lose” the front door, to lose footage that would settle the initial questions… while my anecdotes and bias might seem to be predictable, I don’t think the ATF did right by their mens safety and the way their head lies through his teeth to my brother on a tv special. It is simple, my father answered the door unarmed and with gestures and and a cadence that when recalled by a witness was without an excessive uncharacteristic credulity required compared to that of the man who served the botched warrant. Be honest: they lied and behaved as if this were a simple drug running arms operation, and their best strategy was to try and behave as much like the Babylon my father had predicted they would. They almost did everything in their power to seal everyone’s fate. I don’t need to identify the flaws and duties of those who perished, but those who had to carry out these acts and were haunted by the moral absence and playing dumb… sorry for the tangential droning. I’m currently planning on collecting my mothers stories who is one of the only people to have an account of my father long before the highly guarded and… I’ll rework this later and provide a more ordered and concise, opinion free, source based draft 76.174.199.217 (talk) 05:47, 6 May 2022 (UTC)

Died age 33

Is that something he had previously indicated he wanted (equalling Jesus Christ)? 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:753A:39BE:71D8:D020 (talk) 16:31, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

Inconsistency 2

The gentleman wasn’t at the place when the siege happened. He didn’t ordered the massacre. Some apparently FBI agents who attacked the place weren’t agents at all. 2A00:20:6008:5083:8044:2784:540C:AB8B (talk) 05:15, 26 September 2024 (UTC)

Pronunciation of 'Koresh'

The article indicates that his (assumed) surname is pronounced with main stress on the second syllable, but the only pronunciation on Forvo.com has main stress on the first syllable (https://forvo.com/search/David Koresh/) and only secondary stress on the second syllable, and in view of the explanation of its origin (the Hebrew form of the name of Cyrus the Great), the stress should be on the first syllable, as it is in the Hebrew word (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/כורש#Hebrew).--62.73.72.3 (talk) 22:01, 5 October 2024 (UTC)

Having watched a few videos, I see that almost everyone does pronounce it with stress on the second syllable. But the fact remains that some do pronounce the first vowel as the LOT vowel, not as a schwa.--62.73.72.3 (talk) 23:51, 5 October 2024 (UTC)

Lacking details

First, the article mentions that a music album of his was issued after his death, but nowhere in the article before that is it mentioned that he was a musician or dabbled in music at any point.

Second, the motives and administrative procedures leading to the decision to raid the compound should be explained in detail in the section on the raid; currently the article suddenly jumps from the claims of abuse (which, as it explains, weren't the main reason for the raid) to the raid itself.

Third, there should be more about the theological teachings and organisation of the sect/cult (especially during Koresh's leadership), since these are often claimed to have been important for its dramatic end.--62.73.72.3 (talk) 21:49, 5 October 2024 (UTC)