It has been 17 years since ATF agents stormed the Branch Davidian Compound near Waco. Four agents were killed that day. One of the agents in the middle of that gunfight is taking over the ATF office in Dallas. He says he will never forget what happened that day, as he fights against criminals and possible terrorists.
Robert Champion is the new special agent in charge of the agency's Dallas office. He says February 28, 1993 is a day he will never forget. You could hear the 50 caliber that day, he said.
He was the second agent to the front door of the Branch Davidian compound, when he heard machine gun fire. I was within 10 or 15 feet and it just exploded. You could feel the pressure come out, he said.
He and dozens of agents were ambushed, as they tried to serve a warrant for illegal weapons. Champion didn't have his weapon drawn when he came under fire. I had a fire extinguisher in my hand. They had 12 dogs and my attempt was to scare the dogs out, so as not to have to shoot them, he said.
The agent who was right next to him as he tried to go through the door was shot and killed that day. We got fire. He actually pulled his firearm and stared returning fire when he started receiving it. After that I never saw him again, said Champion.
Since that day, the ATF has been scrutinized for continuing with the operation, even though the Branch Davidians were already aware the agents were coming.
Besides the second guessing and the criticism we received, many of us felt like what the Vietnam veterans came back from Vietnam felt like. We were getting the same treatment for something I think we proved that this individual was stockpiling machine guns.
Champion says that day has shaped his leadership style. He says he tells his agents he never wants them to experience something like this. If I see something that has been compromised, I will shut it down.
He says he vows something like Waco will never happen under his command and that his agents will live to fight another day.
