The victims of Waco Graphic

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The FBI became increasingly concerned that the Davidians were going to commit mass suicide, as had happened at Jonestown when 900 people killed themselves at their leader's behest. The then-newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno approved the recommendations of the FBI to mount an assault after being told that conditions were deteriorating and children were being abused inside the compound.

Because the Davidians were heavily armed, the FBI's arms included .50 caliber guns and armored vehicles known as combat engineer vehicles (CEVs). A plan was formed which would see the CEVs use booms to punch holes in the walls of buildings and then pump in CS gas ("tear gas") to try to flush out the Davidians without harming them.

The plan called for increasing amounts of gas to be pumped in over two days to increase pressure. No armed assault was to be made, and loudspeakers were used to tell the Davidians that there was no armed assault and to ask them not to fire on the vehicles. Despite this, several Davidians opened fire. Instead of returning fire, the FBI increased the amount of gas being used.

After more than six hours no Davidians had left the building instead sheltering in an underground bunker or using gas masks. The CEVs were used to punch several large holes in the building to provide exits for those inside. However several of these were blocked when the floor above collapsed, and Davidians were scared that they would be shot if they left. At around noon, three fires started almost simultaneously in different parts of the building. Even then, as the fire spread, only nine people left the building.

The remaining Davidians remained inside as fire engulfed the building, with footage being broadcast worldwide by television. In all, 74 died. Jeff Jamar prohibited fire crews access to the burning buildings until after the blaze had burned itself out, due to the danger of explosives within the fire and possible weapons fire from surviving Davidians. Nothing remains of the compound today. Only a small chapel stands on the site, used by a small number of Branch Davidians.