Waco Hearings - DAY 1
Waco Hearings - DAY 1
WACO HEARINGS: 8:00-9:03PM - Master Number 10911 - INTRODUCTION: The following Waco Hearing footage consists of the questioning of the third group of panelists. The only Congressman to direct a line of questioning during this tape is Representative Brewster of Oklahoma. He directs questions to panelists David Aguilera; ATF Special Agent, Chuck Sarabyn; former ATF Special Agent In Charge from Huston, Texas, Earl Dunagan; former ATF Special Agent In Charge from Houston, Texas and Dan Hartnett; former ATF Deputy Director For Enforcement. 20:00:02 - 20:43:58 The Sub-Committee Chamber is shown in recess. 20:43:59 Chairman Zeliff is shown bring the Chamber back to order. 20:44:09 Congressman Brewster of Oklahoma begins his questioning by asking Mr. Dunagan if he requested the use of helicopters due to the possibility of a methamphetamine lab within the compound. Mr. Dunagan states his first contact with the National Guard was to obtain aerial photography information, but that he never stated the compound was a drug nexus. Congressman Brewster then asks Mr. Aguilera if he was the first ATF Agent to be contacted by the Waco Sheriff's Department. He replies that yes, he was the first. Rep. Brewster then asks Mr. Hartnett about the planning of the "dynamic entry." He replies that he approved the plan. Interjecting, Mr. Sarabyn states that several Special Agents In Charge worked together in devising the entry plan. Congressman Brewster then asks if David Koresh went to town on a regular base. Mr. Sarabyn replies that yes, but regardless of that fact, the search warrant was still needed in order to apprehend other BD members who were involved in the manufacturing of guns. Rep. Brewster then asks Mr. Sarabyn if there were other charismatic leaders besides Koresh within the ranks of the BD, and then asks why Koresh wasn't arrested out side of the compound. He replies there were other leaders, but not on the level of Koresh, and then states the ATF feared retaliation or possibly mass suicide from Koresh's followers if he was taken from them. Mr. Aguilera interjects to add Koresh was seen outside the compound on two occasions. Rep. Brewster then asks when the planning for the raid began. Again, Mr. Sarabyn replies. He states the planning began in December for a siege, but that the planning for the dynamic entry began in January. He details the planning and then mentions the various concerns the ATF had. Rep. Brewster then asks about the use of Special Response Teams. Mr. Sarabyn states the teams are used in only high-risk situations, like the Mount Carmel raid. Congressman Brewster then asks why the ATF didn't strike at dawn, and then about the use of flash grenades. Replying again, Mr. Sarabyn states there were concerns over the amount of sunlight within the compound if a raid was made at dawn, and that the use of grenades were meant as distraction devices. Congressman Brewster then turns to Mr. Hartnett and asks him about the role the press played the day of the raid. Mr. Hartnett discusses how the ATF had asked the local Waco newspapers to keep silent about the raid, and the role a Ms. Wheelman played in tipping off Koresh off about the raid. Rep. Brewster then asks Mr. Hartnett what reformers have been instituted to make sure a repeat of Waco does not occur. He states that he is now retired, and although he recognizes mistakes were made, he fails to mention if any reforms have been made. Continuing on, Rep. Brewster asks a series of additional questions of Mr. Hartnett pertaining to the use of National Guard helicopters. Mr. Hartnett states the helicopters were sent from the Texas Air National Guard crafts by order of the Governor of Texas, and that the ATF received special mock situation training at Fort Hood concerning their handling of the raid and how to use the helicopters. He also states the Army gave recommendations to better the ATF's plan of attack. Rep. Brewster then asks who gave the go ahead call once the element of surprise was lost. Mr. Sarabyn states that he made the call. 21:02:35 TAPE OUT.