The Branch Davidians: Oh, My God, They're Killing Themselves!

The sun didn't blacken, nor the moon turn red, but the world did come to an end, just as their prophet had promised. The End drove up to their doorstep in a tank, spitting gas, fulfilling prophecies. And if anyone wants to harm them, says the Book of Revelation, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes.

Buzzards circled overhead and the wind blew hard on the day the Branch Davidians died. Before the sun came up, state troopers went door to door to the houses near the compound, telling people to stay inside, there might be some noise. Over...