One thing we know. There was a gang there that came with violence in mind. The Waco PD. Why?
There was a gang that came there with violence in mind that was affiliated with government, not necessarily the Waco PD. Could even be that a lot like the criminal biker gangs, the Waco PD is just a small auxiliary of the overall “organization.” Ironic. But then again, my wise, savvy ol’ pop always warned us kids: A lot of times, the only difference between the police and the criminals is the uniform.
Ask the ATF. Waco SWAT is just their handmaiden. Most local SWAT cops dream of being elevated to the Big Leagues of FLE at double the salary and prestige. They would turn their mothers out on the street to get a chance to leave the Podunk PD and work for ATF. As such, they will follow ANY orders given them by ATF or any FLE.
IOW, I have NO DOUBT that ATF was literally calling the shots at Twin Peaks. Waco PD was “just following orders” in a support role, IMHO.