Ep 1. Waco: God, Guns, and The Government Part 1

In How It Really Happened season 3 episode 1, titled "Waco: God, Guns, and The Government Part 1," viewers are taken on a journey through the events leading up to the infamous 1993 Waco siege. The episode begins by exploring the history of the Branch Davidians, a religious group led by David Koresh that had established their headquarters at the Mount Carmel Center just outside of Waco, Texas. Viewers gain insight into the group's beliefs and practices, as well as how they had come to be on the radar of law enforcement agencies.

The episode then delves into the events that led to the siege. It discusses how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) had become suspicious of the Branch Davidians due to reports of illegal weapons and ammunition being stored at the Mount Carmel Center. The ATF attempted to raid the compound on February 28, 1993, but the raid quickly turned violent, resulting in the deaths of four ATF agents and six Branch Davidians.

Viewers are introduced to key players in the events leading up to the siege, including ATF Special Agent In Charge of the raid, Chuck Sarabyn, and FBI hostage negotiator, Gary Noesner. The episode also includes footage from news reports at the time, as well as interviews with people who were present during the siege.

Part 1 of this two-part episode ends with the FBI taking over the siege from the ATF and negotiations beginning with Koresh and his followers. Viewers are left with a cliffhanger as tensions continue to escalate between the Branch Davidians and law enforcement, setting the stage for the tragic conclusion in Part 2.

Overall, "Waco: God, Guns, and The Government Part 1" is a gripping and informative episode that sheds light on the events leading up to the Waco siege. It provides a balanced perspective, giving viewers an understanding of both sides of the conflict. Anyone interested in true crime, history, or current events will find this episode compelling.