Word: atf
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...make their tactical case, officials had to depend on their intelligence from inside the compound, but as Koresh grew more paranoid it was harder to gather. The atf had an undercover agent inside before the original raid, but his shooting skills on the target range may have aroused suspicion. After negotiating to send in milk, magazines and a typewriter, they tucked in tiny listening devices as well to help them monitor Koresh's moods. But cult members were said to have found the bugs and destroyed them...
...failure of the assault led to criticisms that ATF had fatally underestimated its adversary -- or overestimated its own capabilities in a bid for the media spotlight. Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen, whose department includes the bureau, promised a full inquiry. ATF officials claim that the raid failed largely because Koresh was tipped off. About 45 minutes before the shooting began, an agent who had infiltrated the cult's worship services saw Koresh get a phone call that he believes warned him that attackers were on their...
Among the questions that remain is why ATF agents did not try to nab Koresh on the frequent occasions when he left the compound to jog, shop or eat in local restaurants. And with children in the buildings, why didn't they treat the whole operation as a delicate hostage situation? "When these groups are confronted by law enforcement they should be handled gingerly," said Marc Galanter, a professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, who has studied cults. "You should establish communication rather than confront them head...
...ATF spokesman Jack Killorin said that his bureau decided to move because it believed that during a long siege -- or even if Koresh were seized alone outside -- cult members would opt for suicide, taking the children with them. And almost all showdowns with determined and fanatical groups have led to casualties, he insisted, no matter how they were handled. "We've gone about them in a number of different ways -- ruse, ambush, siege and talk," said Killorin. "In almost every one we lose law-enforcement officers...
...Tobacco and Firearms. Prepared, cult members killed four feds and wounded 16. During the ensuing week of siege, leader David Koresh got radio time but reneged on his promise to surrender afterward. Of 140 in the compound, he allowed 23 to leave; they had reportedly seen 10 dead inside. ATF and FBI agents prepared for a long stakeout: the Davidians are said to have massive stocks of food...