The Branch Davidians were led by David Koresh .
The Branch Davidians were were headquartered at Mount Carmel Center ranch in the community of Axtell , Texas , 13 miles ( 21 kilometers ) east - northeast of Waco .
The Branch Davidians were led by David Koresh and were headquartered at Mount Carmel Center ranch in the community of Axtell , Texas , 13 miles ( 21 kilometers ) east - northeast of Waco .