Evaluation of the Handling of the Branch Davidian Stand-off in Waco, Texas/Execution Of The Gassing Plan

The gassing operation was initiated in the early morning hours of April 19. Special Agent Byron Sage initiated telephone contact with the compound, warned them of the imminent tear gas insertion and reassured them that it was not a lethal assault. Similar messages were broadcast over the loudspeakers throughout the morning, urging the Davidians to come out and assuring them of their safety. At approximately 6:00 a.m. the HRT was notified that the warning call had been made and the first Command Engineering Vehicle (CEV-1) began inserting gas. Gas was inserted-through windows in the compound-from a boom attached to CEV-1 by means of a Mark V System, which is a liquid tear gas dispenser which will shoot a stream of liquid tear gas approximately 50 feet for a duration of approximately 15 seconds.

Shortly after the insertion began, the HRT commander was advised that his people were under fire from within the compound. In accordance with the approved plan, tear gas was inserted into all windows of the compound through the Mark V's in the two CEV's as well as by ferret rounds launched from the Bradley vehicles. Ferret's are non-burning tear gas rounds designed for 40mm grenade launchers. The CEV's then reloaded and made a second complete insertion of tear gas.

Sometime in mid-morning an apparent deviation from the approved plan began. The plan had contemplated that the building would only be dismantled if after 48 hours not all the people had come out. However, the CEV's began knocking holes into the compound the morning of the assault. First, CEV-1 was ordered to enlarge certain openings to provide for an easier escape route for the Davidians. CEV-2 broke down and the team of that vehicle obtained another CEV which was not equipped for tear gas. This CEV was ordered to clear a path through the compound in order to clear a path to the main tower so that CEV-1 could insert tear gas in that area. In that endeavor the CEV started to knock down a corner of the building and a portion of the roof collapsed. Very shortly after this happened, fire was observed in several locations in the compound.

The fire spread very quickly, but even so the openings in the buildings made by the tanks provided a means of escape. One of the HRT agents left the security of his vehicle to help a woman emerging from the compound. She ran from the agent and threw herself into the burning building. The agent entered the building and pulled her out. The woman survived. Nine Davidians exited the compound on April 19th.