Branch Davidian Phone Interview Transcripts During Siege
Dublin Core
Title
Branch Davidian Phone Interview Transcripts During Siege
Subject
Waco FBI Transcripts Tapes 089 - 091
Description
During the fifty-one-day Branch Davidian Siege, several different group members within the compound were interviewed by phone by FBI Agents. The primary goal of these conversations were to confirm the safety of the occupants during the siege, to confirm that the occupants knew they could leave at any time, and to convey any messages between friends and family of the occupants. These conversations also gave insight into the group members’ beliefs and their reasoning for their choices during the siege. One such interview was with Sherri Jewell, a kindergarten teacher who brought her family to the compound. She talks with an FBI Agent identified as John who interviews her about her status as well as the motives of the groups.
The conversation starts with Sherri requesting John to pass on the message of Matthew 24 to her mother. Matthew 24 discusses the “end times.” Jesus says that the second coming will be obvious to everyone, but Christians will be persecuted and killed for their beliefs leading up to the second coming (“Matthew 24 New International Version,” 2011). There will be many who falsely claim to be Christ as the fall of any morality or law. Those who do pick up on these signs or lead a Christ-led life will meet a miserable fate. This message insinuates that Sherri believes the siege is a sign of the end times since she believes her people are being persecuted. The government pursuing her group shows her that law and morality are falling apart. In her eyes, all of the factors that Christ said will accompany the end times are happening. Later in the interview, John asks Sherri why the group is stockpiling firearms and ammunition. Her response ties in with her belief with Matthew 24: she believes that her people are being persecuted and therefore, they need to arm themselves to protect themselves.
The conversation starts with Sherri requesting John to pass on the message of Matthew 24 to her mother. Matthew 24 discusses the “end times.” Jesus says that the second coming will be obvious to everyone, but Christians will be persecuted and killed for their beliefs leading up to the second coming (“Matthew 24 New International Version,” 2011). There will be many who falsely claim to be Christ as the fall of any morality or law. Those who do pick up on these signs or lead a Christ-led life will meet a miserable fate. This message insinuates that Sherri believes the siege is a sign of the end times since she believes her people are being persecuted. The government pursuing her group shows her that law and morality are falling apart. In her eyes, all of the factors that Christ said will accompany the end times are happening. Later in the interview, John asks Sherri why the group is stockpiling firearms and ammunition. Her response ties in with her belief with Matthew 24: she believes that her people are being persecuted and therefore, they need to arm themselves to protect themselves.
Creator
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Source
“Matthew 24 New International Version.” Bible Gateway, Bible Gateway, 2011, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24&version=NIV.
“Waco FBI Transcripts Tapes 089 - 091.” FBI, FBI, 27 Mar. 2011, https://vault.fbi.gov/waco-branch-davidian-compound/waco-fbi-transcripts-tapes-089-091/view.
Publisher
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Date
March 7, 1993
Contributor
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Rights
Public archives
Format
Online
Language
English
Type
Interview Transcipt
Identifier
https://vault.fbi.gov/waco-branch-davidian-compound/waco-fbi-transcripts-tapes-089-091/view
Coverage
31°35'45.5"N 96°59'16.2"W
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
https://vault.fbi.gov/waco-branch-davidian-compound/waco-fbi-transcripts-tapes-089-091/view
Original Format
PDF
Collection
Citation
Federal Bureau of Investigation , “Branch Davidian Phone Interview Transcripts During Siege,” ENGL 3460 -- Literature and Utopia, accessed September 19, 2024, https://mapping-nature.org/3460-fall2021/items/show/8.