This is standard procedure in this type of an operation. Although federal guidelines are complicated and rigid, Judge Smith did not use what little discretion he had in sentencing the Davidians. He made up his mind that they were guilty of conspiracy to murder federal agents in defiance of the jury's verdict. In doing so, he subverted the jury's intent. His portrayal is without merit and irresponsible.
Terrorists attack innocent people without provocation for political ends.
The Branch Davidians defended themselves against an unprovoked attack by federal agents. They threatened no one. They were on their own property, in their own homes, at their own church at the time of the attack. They didn't go out seeking trouble. There is no evidence that they planned to harm anyone within or without their community.