The siege, which began on February 28 and culminated on April 19, was the result of federal and state agencies' suspicion that the group was stockpiling illegal weapons. The FBI attacked the compound with tear gas in an attempt to force the Branch Davidians out of the ranch. The attack resulted in a fire that killed 76 people.
Those living in and around the area believed they were experiencing an earthquake. The US Geological Survey reported the explosion as a 2.1-magnitude tremor.
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The siege was organized by American federal and Texas state law enforcement, as well as the US military, on a compound belonging to the religious group known as the Branch Davidians, headquartered at Mount Carmel Center.
Tensions had been escalating for a decade before finally commencing battle on April 19, 1775, when the King's army attempted to capture and destroy Colonial military supplies at Lexington and Concord.
On this day, this Mississippi River side-wheel steamboat exploded, becoming the worst maritime disaster in US history. Despite being designed to carry 376 passengers, the SS Sultana was carrying 2,155 when three of the boat's four boilers exploded before sinking, killing 1,192 passengers.
The disaster, however, didn't get too much press, as it was overshadowed by Lincoln's assassination.
The overall 18-year conflict that led to the establishment of the United States of America broke out in April.
April has indeed seen it all when it comes to dark American events. As a result, this month has been considered the most fatal and tragic in US history. Even more interestingly, all of the major tragic events happened from April 14 onward.
Don’t believe it? Click through this gallery and see for yourself.
Lincoln's assassination marks the beginning of the tragic two weeks to follow, as after April 14 bad things happen in US history. Coincidence?
April: The darkest month in American history?
From revolutions, to bombings and earthquakes, a lot of tragedies seem to hit in April
LIFESTYLE Usa
April has indeed seen it all when it comes to dark American events. As a result, this month has been considered the most fatal and tragic in US history. Even more interestingly, all of the major tragic events happened from April 14 onward.
Don’t believe it? Click through this gallery and see for yourself.