Waco Hearings - DAY 3
Waco Hearings - DAY 3
WACO HEARINGS: 6:30 - 7:06PM - Master Number 10937 - INTRODUCTION: The following footage from the Waco Hearings consists of the questioning of the eighth group of panelists. They are: Ms. Joy Sparks; Texas Department of Child Services, George Morrison; Los Angeles Police Department, Tim Evans; Attorney, John Coleman; formerly of Los Angeles County Police Department and Victor Oboyskii, President of Law Enforcement Officers Association. The following Representatives present questions, and or statements to the panelists: Shadegg, McCollun and Zeliff. 18:30:02 Old footage from Master Number 10936 shows Congressman Souder making statements. 18:31:27 Fresh footage shows Congressman Shadegg asking Mr. Evans if he has read the press release put out by the Justice Department, and him replies that he has. Rep. Shadegg then asks him if he believes that Treasury temporarily order the Shooting Review stopped so that the FBI's criminal investigation could proceed. He replies no, and adds that the Nobel memorandum specifically states the Review stopped to prevent the generation of "Brady material." After citing more excerpts from the memorandum, Congressman Shadegg asserts that the press release states it is normal practice for investigations to be temporarily halted, but counters that by referring to the memorandum which orders a complete halt. Mr. Evans states that the Shooting Review did recommence a few months after the fact, but at that point little valuable material could have been generated. Rep. Shadegg then points out that the release states that the Shooting Review should be halted, not because there was concern two agencies working simultaneously would cause conflict and confusion, but that cases where uncovered where ATF Agents were describing the same event in opposing ways. Mr. Evans interjects to state that the word "exculpatory" was repeatedly used through corresponding documents. Going further, Congressman Shadegg then states that if a Shooting Review could never be waged while an investigation was bending, there would never be reviews, because investigations are continually going on; initial, trial and appeal. Mr. Evans replies by asking what should be believed, reports from the time of an event, or reports years after the fact, this, in reference to, the Nobel memorandum and the recent Justice Department press release. Rep. Shadegg then concludes that the press release report is either an attempt to confuse the hearings or is a cover-up. 18:36:30 Congressman McCollun begins his time by asking Mr. Morrison if he is familiar with the book, "The Ashes of Waco," written by former panelist, Mr. Reavis. Specifically, Mr. Morrison is asked about the book's allegations that raid field commanders did not carry portable telephones, and, consequently, could not be reached by outside parties. He responds that he is not familiar with the book, but adds that he would agree that there was a definite communication problem in the field. Turing to Mr. Evans, Congressman McCollun asks about the term, "show time." Mr. Evans replies it was the code word to launch the raid. Mr. Evans is then asked if the ATF had a communications center in place to deal with public relations, and he replies that they did. Rep. McCollun then asks Mr. Evans if the ATF had a no-knock warrant. He replies the they didn't, but adds that there are many exceptions which trump not having one. Congressman McCollun then states that Mr. Sarabyn testified the warrant was destroyed by gunfire while it lay inside a truck, and that he was no where near the front door. Mr. Evans answers that by stating an ATF Agent has testified he never practiced a peaceful entry while at Fort Hood preparing for the raid. Keeping with Mr. Evans, Congressman McCollun then inquires about the fire. Mr. Evans replies that the ATF knew that a fire was emanate that final day. Continuing on, he asserts that FBI listening devices over heard the Branch Davidians stating, "Lets spread the fuel. Get more fuel. Spread it around here." Mr. Evans concludes that the authorities knew for six hours that there was going to be a fire. 18:47:30 A series of points of parliamentary inquire are heard. 18:49:52 Chairman Zeliff begins his time by asking Mr. Evans how he would characterize the actions of the Justice Department. He replies that documents point to an abstraction of justice. Mr. Evans is then asked if any new testimony has been brought fourth by the hearings, and he replies yes. Continuing on, he adds that the ATF has a small percentage of agents who lie to get what they want, and then who cover their "backsides." Chairman Zeliff then asks Mr. Evans if he has read the Treasury Department Report, and he replies he did a year prior. Adding to that, Mr. Evans states that to believe the Treasury Report, one must first believe the statements of agents from which the report is based upon, but asserts that from the beginning, such statements have been inconsistent. Looking for clarification Rep. Zeliff asks Mr. Evans if he believes that ATF or FBI Agents falsified evidence. Mr. Evans answers that there is a "track record" of agents making statements to protect themselves. For example, the meth lab story and the false affidated concerning Norman Allison. Keeping with Mr. Evans, Congressman Zeliff then asks if he believes the investigation was a cover-up. He answers that there is not one individual person responsible for it, but that the true facts have not been uncovered due to the falsification of reports and statements. Turning then to Ms. Sparks, Chairman Zeliff asks of the coordination she had with the FBI, and or ATF. She replies that an ATF Agent from the command post called her about having her, and her staff, assist in manning a post-raid trauma station. Congressman Zeliff inquires when the call occurred. Ms. Sparks replies near the end of March, but adds that later that day, the agent called back and canceled the request. Continuing on, Ms. Sparks adds that she thought it was deemed too dangerous. Keeping with Ms. Sparks, Chairman Zeliff asks if she saw poor sanitary conditions at the compound. She replies there was no running water or indoor pluming, and that the followers used buckets to "bathroom" in, and that the waist was later buried outside. Continuing on, Ms. Sparks adds that there were also a few outbreaks of Hepatitis B reported at the compound. Congressman Zeliff then goes on to makes a series of conclusions drawing from the testimony of the panelists over the past three days, and then invites Mr. Koleman to speak. Mr. Koleman states his credentials, and then praises the ATF. He adds that the ATF needs . . . but is cut off by Chairman Zeliff who goes on, again, to state the purpose of the hearings. 19:02:10 Chairman Zeliff adjourns the hearings for the day. 19:02:20 The Sub-Committee Chamber is shown in recess. 19:06:35 TIME OUT.