Waco...

MARCH 12:

RENO is sworn in as Attorney General. SCHROEDER leaves the compound, saying no mass suicide would occur. Dr. John HAGMAN, a local physician, consults over the telephone. Over the objections of some FBI negotiators, JAMAR orders all electricity to be cut off for good, because "he wanted those inside the compound to experience the same wet and cold night as the tactical personnel outside." RENO is extensively briefed on Waco by FBI (Exact day is unclear) [Scruggs 65-67, 142, 240]

The Davidians say the power shut-off is a "huge, huge setback," causing SCHNEIDER and others to change their minds about coming out. The justification for cutting the power is that it is going to be a very cold night and maximum effect would be gained in making the Davidians uncomfortable inside the compound. Also, cutting the power is designed to challenge KORESH's control of the situation and to raise the level of stress within the compound to force more departures. [Dennis 14]