Waco Hearings - DAY 1
Waco Hearings - DAY 1
WACO HEARINGS: 11:30-1:00 AM - Master Number 10903 (Part 1) - The following footage from the Waco Hearings consists largely of a video produced by CNN, and the controversy presented by Democratic Congressmen over it being shown. The video, once it was shown by order of Chairman Zeliff, featured footage from the battle at the Mount Carmel compound, and the trial of several Branch Davidian (BD) members following the attack. The opening statements from panelists, Reavis and Wright, are also shown. 11:30:01 Footage overlaps the final minutes from Master Number 10903 Part 2. Committee Chairman, Congressman Zeliff, Rep. Lantos, Rep. Schumer and Rep. Clinger make statements first seen in Master Number 10903 Part 2. 11:33:48 New footage shows Congressman Lantos withdrawing his objection. 11:33:52 Chairman Zeliff introduces and swears in the first panel of witnesses. He introduces author, Mr. Reavis, Editor and writer, Ray Yon and Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Wright. 11:35:40 Chairman Zeliff introduces a three-minute film made by CNN. 11:35:54 Congressman Schumer raises an objection about the procedural processes of the hearings. He states that he knew nothing about the just introduced film. 11:36:49 Congressman Clinger counters Rep. Schumer's remarks. A volley occurs between the two Congressmen. 11:37:30 Rep. Schumer yields to Congresswoman Collins who also objects to the film being show, because she was never told of it. Then, Rep. Conyers also objects on similar grounds. Chairman Zeliff states that he plans to go ahead and show the film. 11:39:32 Congressman Mica counters the Democrats' objections, and calls them delay tactics. 11:40:48 Various Congressmen are heard attempting to be recognized by the Chair who is consulting with advisors. 11:41:35 Rep. Schumer is recognized, and restates his question about how the hearings are going to proceed. 11:42:09 Rep. Watt asks the Chairman to state how the showing of the film is in regulation with normal procedures. 11:43:12 Congressman Zeliff recounts a rule, but Congrassman Watt responds by stating the rule does not apply. A volley between the two Congressmen follows. 11:44:25 Rep. Mica states a precedent set in a different hearing which, he thinks, justifies the CNN video to be shown. He continues by describing another film that depicted mice being killed after running over a carpet that was sprayed with disinfectant. He makes various gestures with his hands mimicking the ears of mice. The camera shows audience members snickering at his statements and actions. 11:45:38 Rep. Watt reclaims his time, and states Rep. Mica's reasoning does not make sense. The camera cuts to show the panelists slouching in their seats waiting to testify. 11:46:40 Chairman Zeliff orders the film to be shown. 11:47:09 The camera shows a television monitor airing the film. Footage gives a summation of the events beginning with the February 28, 19993 raid that began the 51 day seige of the compound. Also shown is the April 19th fire which consumed the compound, in addition to, segments of the trial for surviving Davidian members. 11:50:06 Footage transitions back to Rep. Zeliff who calls for the testimony from Mr. Reavis. 11:50:26 Mr. Reavis begins his 15 minute opening statement by giving historical background on the (BD). Next, he discuses the BD's "inventory" of weapons. This discussion leads into talk of the ATF and how they serviced a search warrant to the compound, and their raid of the compound. Talk begins about the order of events during the raid, including statements about the use of helicopters. Reavis closes his opening statement by claiming that the government agencies he requested information from to author his book largely ignored the Freedom of Information Act in releasing documents in a timely manner. 12:07:58 Footage transitions back to Chairman Zeliff who invites panelist, Mr. Wright, to make his opening remarks. 12:08:43 Mr. Wright begins by testifying to his support of the Brady Bill and the ban on assault weapons. He then states how the then coming millennium marks a pivotal point in many religious sects, including the BD. Continuing, he presents an outline which concludes that another Waco styled event is possible if reforms are not made within the involved law enforcement agencies. He states the ATF used excessive force and improperly labeled the BD as a cult. Following, Wright discusses how the FBI is not capable in dealing with apoplectic groups. He closes by presenting a series of questions, he thinks, need to answered if the hearings are to be a success. . 12:24:47 Footage transitions back to Chairman Zeliff who recesses the hearing. 12:25:04 Various camera shots show the chamber in recess. 12:31:55 TAPE OUT.