David Koresh ordered his cult compound burned down in a bid to take followers and federal agents alike to their death, but screamed, "Don't light it up!" when he realized agents were retreating, an FBI spokesman says.
The last-second order to hold back came too late, FBI agent Bob Ricks, the bureau's spokesman during the standoff, said Wednesday. As many as 85 people died in the burning compound April 19 near Waco, Texas.In a speech to a civic group, Ricks said Koresh believed the tear gas fired into the compound in an attempt to break the 51-day siege was the start of a raid.
"What we think was in his mind was that he expected us to come in and mount a frontal tactical assault against the compound. Once we were inside, he would light it up and burn us up with his own people," Ricks said.
When agents retreated, Koresh tried to call off the fire, but it was too late, he said.