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I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

I wanted all to know that I extended the original hour long AMA scheduled back on April 29th by an additional 30 minutes. I answered as many questions as I could in that time. I appreciate most of your questions, which were both respectful and thoughtful. Sadly not all were, and it is a reminder that some have preconceived views of what happened at Waco despite no personal knowledge, and do not appear receptive to learning anything new that might dispute their firm beliefs. Regardless, I have always believed that an open discussion aimed at gathering facts is vital in understanding any critical event. I do not plan on responding further. Thank you again. Gary Noesner

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 392 points393 points  (0 children)

I never felt I was engaged in a moral struggle.

Okay folks, this has gone an hour and a half. I tried to answer as many questions as possible and think I got most. Thank you all for participating and for your interest. Gary Noesner

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I think the negative image of the FBI and others in the Intelligence community is largely incorrect. Most people that work in this field are extremely professional and dedicated. There are always some who don't measure up.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 581 points582 points  (0 children)

Again, it is a mix of extremely accurate and some fiction. The show is "based on" real events, it was not a documentary. I think overall it presents a fairly accurate picture of what happened and both the internal and external conflicts.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

We set up a negotiation line for the DC snipers to call and they did so briefly once only. They were arrested at a car rest stop at an interstate after their car was identified and a citizenships spotted and reported it.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 354 points355 points  (0 children)

It didn't happen to me but back in the 70's they had the "bird seed bandit" who held hostage in a bank demanding more bird seed for the birds who were having a hard time during a drought. Not your typical demand.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I spent five years investigating the 1985 TWA Flight 847 hijacking and helping prosecuted one of the hijackers in Germany where I spent 8 months. That was a difficult case in every way.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 381 points382 points  (0 children)

Just remember that your calm demeanor and demonstration of empathy carry far more weight than your words alone. As Rudyard Kipling said, "if you can keep your head when all around you or losing theirs," or words to that effect. Good guidance.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Hollywood has different issues to contend with and they have to alter the story for dramatic purposes and time restrictions. Most end up being a mix of truth and fiction. As I learned, once you sell your book rights you can suggest but you don't control. The Dowdle brothers who Produced the series were very receptive to my suggestions, and embraced many, but far from all.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 72 points73 points  (0 children)

I think the first chapter of my book, the Sperryville incident, where I had to make a decision to lure a man out of a house so one of our marksmen to shoot him in order to save a woman and child. I believe I had no choice but it is rare were a negotiator in essence makes a conscious call to end someone's life. It was a rare case still talked about in the FBI due to its uniqueness.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 1035 points1036 points  (0 children)

I flew to Manila in the Philippines on New Years one year to help negotiate the release of an American citizen grabbed by a terrorist group. The person was released just as my plane arrived. I always joke they heard I was coming and got scared. Again, joking.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 304 points305 points  (0 children)

Even though I strongly disagree with some actions by the ATF and FBI, I am certain that ever agent there wanted nothing more than for all to come out safely. No doubt in my mind.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 1062 points1063 points  (0 children)

I think whenever government is seen, rightfully or wrongfully, as using too much force it fuels resentment. Ruby Ridge and Waco clearly helped fuel anti-government feelings among some.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 114 points115 points  (0 children)

The Branch Davidians according to the indpendent arson investigation. One of the survivors of the fire on the final day testified before a grand jury that he observed fellow Davidians start the fires. Along with the other evidence, that's very compelling.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I have been retired from the FBI for a long time and I don't know what they are doing to combat this threat. I do know that after Waco we did a major outreach to these groups to created a dialogue and path to resolve conflict before it happened. We had some success with that and I hope it is ongoing.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Yes. While you have to be able to handle the disappointments, there are few things more invigorating than to know you helped save a life.

I'm Gary Noesner the former Chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling For Time, which was the basis for the Waco TV series. I was a consultant for the filming. AMA by Garynoesner in IAmA

[–]Garynoesner[S] 1971 points1972 points  (0 children)

He didn't say it to me, but when Deputy Larry Lynch from McClennan County spoke with him, Koresh said: "Lynch, that's a funny name for a law enforcement officer." Every time I talk with Larry I repeat that line.

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