David Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians, a religious sect that emerged from the Seventh-day Adventist movement. Born Vernon Wayne Howell in 1959, he claimed to be a prophet and believed he was the final messenger of God. Under his leadership, the group moved to a compound in Waco, Texas, where they practiced their beliefs and prepared for what they saw as an impending apocalypse. In 1993, the ATF attempted to raid the Waco compound, leading to a 51-day standoff between the Branch Davidians and law enforcement. The situation ended tragically when a fire consumed the compound, resulting in the deaths of Koresh and many of his followers. This event raised significant questions about religious freedom and government intervention.