On February 28, 1993 seventy-six ATF agents, accompanied by three helicopters, attempted to conduct a surprise raid on the Branch Davidian's home and church. Davidians, who armed after hearing there would be a "raid" and possible "shooting", engaged in a gun battle with agents. Fifty-one day siege ensued followed by April 19, 1993 FBI tank attack, during which or sometime after, the building caught fire and burned down.[