Cleared Hot Behind Enemy Lines - From Waco to the War on Terror with Chris Whitcomb
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Jun 26, 2023 Chris Whitcomb, a former FBI agent and member of the Hostage Rescue Team, shares riveting stories from his groundbreaking career. He reflects on the complexities of high-stakes operations at Ruby Ridge and Waco, including the moral dilemmas he faced. With firsthand accounts from the war on terror, he discusses his transition to work as a Global Security Advisor. Whitcomb also tackles mental health challenges, resilience, and the lessons learned from a life spent navigating perilous environments.
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First Big Case: Larry And Billy Hankins
- Chris Whitcomb recounts his first major FBI case with bank robbers Larry and Billy Hankins in Springfield, Missouri.
- He used local sources and unconventional tactics to roll them up without a major shootout during takedown operations.
Why HRT Existed Domestically
- HRT was created because military units like Delta couldn't be used domestically due to posse comitatus.
- The FBI hosted a civilian hostage-rescue capability to fill the legal gap for domestic counterterrorism.
51 Days At Waco: Boredom And Vigilance
- Whitcomb recounts arriving in Waco as an HRT sniper soon after the ATF shootouts and settling into a 51-day perimeter watch.
- He details the boredom, small rituals (like bringing a guitar) and the strain of long-duration deployments.