'Waco: American Apocalypse,' a three-episode documentary series that we can only describe as equal parts bewildering, disturbing, solemn, and heartbreaking, is truly different from any other. That's because it features interviews with not only Branch Davidian cult members, but also former federal officials to illuminate the 1993 deadly standoff between the two groups.
Chris Whitcomb, who is he?
Chris Whitcomb started out as a speechwriter and press secretary for Congressman Silvio Ottavio Conte in Washington DC in early 1986, and in 1991 he joined the elite Hostage Rescue Team.
Chris proved his worth in almost every situation, including in his six years as a team member. However, it is important to mention the fact that he was involved in major cases such as the 1992 LA Riots, the 1992 Ruby Ridge case, and the 1993 Waco Seige.
Chris then reportedly took advantage of his Master's degree in Education to become an internship coach at the FBI Academy for new agents and international law enforcement officers. During this period, he created an innovative training methodology called Integrated Case Scenario, which is still used by new agents today. However, Chris's final assignment before his retirement in 2001 was to lead the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group.
Chris coached incoming agents and coordinated crisis-specific planning as well as management, knowing that it was time for him to leave after 15 years of service. The prime example: the Al-Qaeda suicide bombing of Aden, Yemen on February 26, 1993 (much before 9/11).
What has happened to Chris Whitcomb?
Chris Whitcomb's incredible FBI career is often cited as a number, but he has always avoided releasing a set number because he fears that our already violent society would end up glorifying his actions, which would do more harm than good, especially since each situation was literally kill-or-be-killed for him.
"Law enforcement is very different from military operations." An instructor came out and said, "Look here's a pistol, we're going to teach you how to shoot it, how to wear it, all of these things," and he talked to us in very personal terms about what transpired the first time he shot someone. "It was a very devastating moment from him."
'Cold Zero: Inside the Hostage Rescue Team' was Chris' first memoir before moving into the world of fiction writing. In 2005, he published 'Black,' followed by 'White,' both of which were reported to be doing well despite him being a newbie writer.
Chris Whitcomb founded Watch House International in 2007, which provides secured infrastructure development in over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. He continues to speak internationally on security and crisis-resolution issues while also writing for numerous international publications.
