KORESH, David

American cult leader and self-proclaimed prophet who led the Branch Davidians religious sect at the Mount Carmel compound near Waco, Texas, until his death in the 1993 siege that ended in fire and the deaths of 76 people including children. Born Vernon Wayne Howell, he legally changed his name to David Koresh in 1990, claiming messianic status and prophetic authority over his followers.

Koresh gained control of the Branch Davidians in the 1980s through a combination of charismatic preaching, biblical interpretation skills, and violent confrontation with rival faction leader George Roden. He taught that he was the final prophet who would open the Seven Seals described in the Book of Revelation, bringing about the end times and the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. His theology combined Seventh-day Adventist doctrine with his own revelations about biblical prophecy.

Under Koresh’s leadership, the Mount Carmel community became increasingly isolated and militarized, with members stockpiling weapons and preparing for what they believed would be an apocalyptic conflict with government forces. Koresh practiced polygamy, claiming divine right to take multiple wives including underage girls, and exercised absolute control over all aspects of followers’ lives including finances, relationships, and daily activities.

The February 1993 ATF raid on Mount Carmel, motivated by weapons violations and child abuse allegations, triggered a 51-day standoff that ended when fire consumed the compound during the final FBI assault. Koresh and 75 followers died in the blaze, with debate continuing about whether the fire was set by the Branch Davidians as a final act of defiance or resulted from government actions. The Waco siege became a defining moment for both government accountability and religious freedom debates in America.