Netflix has announced the topic of their next upcoming true crime docuseries. Waco: American Apocalypse will tell the story behind one of the most infamous showdowns between a cult and the United States government. The series will be released on Netflix in three parts on March 22.
The director of Night Stalker; The Hunt for a Serial Killer, Tiller Russel is the director of Waco: American Apocalypse as well. Back in 1993, the events unfolded in Waco, Texas, the habitat of David Koresh and his followers known as the Branch Davidians. In February 1993, the US government’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms laid siege to the compound where the religious sect resided. Although the government had its eyes on the cult for quite some time, the events took place only then, after they obtained a warrant to investigate allegations of illegal weapons violations and sexual abuse charges. The next 51 days witnessed an all-out war with Koresh forcing his people to stand their ground against the government.
Tiller Russell will draw inspiration for the narrative from previously unreleased FBI tapes, news videos, and interviews with those who were present when the tragedy took place. The docuseries will present testimonies from both sides, including that of an FBI sniper, the FBI Crisis Negotiation Chief, one of Koresh’s spiritual wives, the last child to successfully flee the compound before it was destroyed, and many others.