FBI assault at Ruby Ridge
In 1992, the U.S. federal government conducted a military siege of a rural Idaho family, ultimately killing Randy Weaver's dog, son and wife.
Attempting to infiltrate a white supremacist group, the ATF entrapped Weaver into selling them two shotguns. When he refused to cooperate with them, federal agents lied in order to get support for their retaliation.
The U.S. government murdered Randy Weaver's son and wife during a military siege of Ruby Ridge.
Four hundred armed federal agents conducted a siege of the Weavers' mountain home, first killing Randy Weaver's dog, then his son, then his wife.
In a 1993 trial, Randy Weaver and his friend were found innocent of weapons and murder charges. Weaver was found guilty only of not appearing in court on the original charges.
The Justice Department's own report recommended criminal prosecution of federal agents; the surviving Weavers won $3.1 million in civil damages.
The U.S. Senate criticized federal law enforcement for their roles.
In September 1995, the Senate held hearings on the Ruby Ridge incident, and in December, released its report criticizing the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies.