Channel 8 in Dallas was on the spot almost from the very beginning, and they had live coverage all day. If memory serves, the raid took place on a Sunday morning. I think 4 BATF guys were killed in the initial raid.
This whole thing was handled badly from the very beginning. The local Sheriff could have brokered a deal and saved a lot of lives.
The local sheriff could have knocked on the door and asked to see the weapons Howell was alleged to have.
Howell would mostly likely have invited him in to see them. And Howell would have probably given them to the sheriff if asked.
This isn't idle speculation: it's what Howell did on at least one previous occasion. The firearms were subsequently returned without incident.