The Branch Davidians are a religious group that emerged from the Davidian movement, which itself was a splinter group of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Founded in the 1950s, they believe in the imminent return of Christ and interpret the Bible in a unique way. Their leader, David Koresh, claimed to be a prophet and had a significant following. In 1993, the group became widely known after a standoff with federal law enforcement in Waco, Texas. The confrontation lasted 51 days and ended tragically with a fire that consumed their compound, resulting in the deaths of many members, including Koresh. This event raised questions about religious freedom and government intervention.