This is Not an Assault: Penetrating the Web of Official Lies Regarding the Waco Incident

by David T. Hardy, Rex Kimball

In February, 1993, a gun battle erupted outside Waco, Texas, as federal agents attempted to search the communal residence of a religion known as the "Branch Davidians." The battle, and the following siege, was the greatest law enforcement debacle in American history, costing nearly a hundred lives. After a criminal trial, two Cabinet-level studies, and three sets of Congressional hearings, the truth appeared to be firmly settled. A cult led by a madman had shot at federal agents and had then set themselves aflame. The issue was settled. Then in 1999, the Waco issue exploded, with proof that the Federal agencies had lied to their own leadership, to Congress, and to the courts. "This Is Not An Assault" explores this remarkable turnabout. It is authored by someone who saw it from the inside, a former government attorney whose lawsuit forced ATF and FBI to divulge the incriminating documents and tapes.

392 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book comes from what the loudspeakers were blaring as the tanks demolished the building. The photograph on the front cover puts the lie to that claim. Like Magritte’s “The Treachery of Images”, the book really isn’t about the assault, it’s about the coverup of the assault. Because it’s one thing for a rogue agency to decide that such an assault is necessary; it’s yet another thing to realize that the agency knew that the assault was both illegal and would not hold up to public scrutiny, and went into coverup mode from the beginning.

Liberals who fear a police state will have their fears confirmed, and Conservatives who believe in strong law enforcement should receive a wake up call from This Is Not An Assault.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was terrific. A detailed account of what happened at Waco, supported by robust research. A very critical account of the actions and decisions of officials, as well as a close examination of the monumental coverup that followed.

[Craig Bolton]

This Is Not an Assault by David T. Hardy (2001)