The Waco siege was a 51-day standoff that took place in 1993 between the United States government and the religious group known as the Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh. The conflict began when federal agents attempted to execute a search warrant at the group's compound in Waco, Texas, due to allegations of illegal weapons possession and child abuse. The standoff escalated, leading to a tense negotiation process and ultimately a violent conclusion on April 19, 1993, when the compound caught fire during a final assault by law enforcement. The incident resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals, including Koresh and many of his followers, raising significant questions about government intervention and religious freedom.