Survivors gather, mark Waco siege

WACO, Texas - Dozens Friday gathered Friday to remember the siege on the Branch Davidians’ Texas compound on the 20th anniversary of the 51-day standoff’s fiery end.

Survivors and others who see the events as an unwarranted government intrusion into personal and religious freedoms attended a memorial service at a Waco museum. One survivor read the names of the nearly 80 sect members who died April 19, 1993.

Federal agents raided the compound Feb. 28, 1993, trying to arrest sect leader David Koresh for stockpiling illegal weapons. But the group had been tipped off about the raid, and a shootout ensued. Four agents and six Davidians were killed. Several women and children left the compound during the standoff, which ended after tear gas was fired inside and it burned.

Front Section, Pages 4 on 04/20/2013

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