Branch Davidians

The Branch Davidians are a religious group that split from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, founded in the 1950s by Benjamin Roden and later led by David Koresh. They believed in preparing for the end of the world and interpreting biblical prophecies literally. The group established a compound in Waco, Texas, where tensions with authorities escalated in 1993, leading to a deadly 51-day standoff with federal agents. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of many members, including children, raising widespread concerns about religious extremism and government intervention.