Waco: The Aftermath Cast vs. Real Life People The Series is Based On

In the winter of 1993, David Koresh and the Branch Davidians near Waco, Texas, had a standoff with various federal agencies as they executed a search and arrest warrant. The 51-day siege resulted in the deaths of four federal agents and 82 Branch Davidians. Showtime first chronicled the bloody standoff in 2018's limited series Waco. With the 30th anniversary of the event approaching, the network announced the follow-up season Waco: Aftermath, is set to debut on streaming and on-demand for all Showtime subscribers beginning Friday, April 14, and make its full on-air debut on Sunday, April 16, at 10:00 pm.

The five-episode limited series follows the trials of the surviving members of the Branch Davidian religious group and sheds light on the rise of homegrown terrorism, including a shocking connection to Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. If you're ready to learn more about the series, read ahead for everything we know about the cast of Waco: Atermath and the people whose characters are inspired by IRL.

Michael Shannon as Gary Noesner

You may recognize Michael Shannon from George & Tammy, but he stars an FBI hostage negotiator who experienced severe PTSD following the failed negotiations during the 51-day siege.

Gary Noesner

Gary Noesner was actually on the front lines of the Waco siege as a hostage negotiator. In 2018, Noesner told Time that he was removed from the standoff after 25 days because other members of the FBI viewed him as an "impediment to those who wanted to take a more aggressive role." After a 30-year career, Noesner retired from the FBI in 2003 and currently hosts interviews and speaking engagements about hostage negotiations.

John Leguizamo as Jacob Vasquez

Actor, comedian, and film producer John Leguizamo won an Emmy Award for his breakout role as Jacob Vasquez in the debut season of Waco. He's reprising his role as the undercover ATF agent in Waco: Aftermath. He has appeared in over 100 films and produced over 20 films and documentaries.

Jacob Vasquez

According to Smithsonian Magazine, Jacob Vazques is based on the IRL agent named Robert Rodriguez. According to History.com, Rodriguez had infiltrated the Branch Davidian compound as a trade school student, excusing himself to warn his superiors that the Davdians caught wind of the impending raid on the compound. Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against the ATF and several officials, claiming that they "defamed him and conspired to make him a scapegoat." According to History.com, he reportedly settled out of court for nearly $2.3 million. He was later diagnosed with PTSD and retired with disability benefits in December 1999.

Keean Johnson as Vernon Howell, aka David Koresh

Alita: Battle Angel star Keenan Johnson appears in the series as Vernon Howell, also known as David Koresh in the series. Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians and led a 51-day siege against the US government in 1993.

Vernon Howell, aka David Koresh

Vernon Wayne Howell was born in Houston, Texas, on August 17, 1959. According to PBS, Howell had a strong interest in the Bible and had memorized large portions of it by the time he was 12. In. 1981, he arrived in Waco, Texas, and joined the Branch Davidians, a religious sect. He began an affair with then-prophetess Lois Roden, and after her death, he was involved in a power struggle with her son, George Roden, to lead the group.

Howell left the church shortly after the dispute but returned in 1987. According to PBS, a gunfight broke out upon his return, and Roden's son was shot in the chest and hands. Howell and several of his followers were accused of attempted murder. Seven members were acquitted, while a mistrial was declared in Howell's case. In 1990, he became the leader of the Branch Davidians and changed his name to David Koresh. He would later lead the 51-day siege against the US government and die from gunshot wounds on April 19, 1993.

Alex Breaux as Timothy McVeigh

Alex Breaux got his start as a wide receiver and pun returner for Harvard University's varsity team. A graduate of The Juilliard School, the actor has appeared on Broadway and was named a "Top Breakout Performer" by Timeout.

Timothy McVeigh

In 1993, Timothy McVeigh drove to Waco, Texas, during the 51-day siege to express his support and hand out pro-guns literature. Two years later, on April 19, 1995, McVeigh perpetrated the Oklahoma City bombing, which killed 168 people and injured more than 680 others. He was sentenced to death and executed on June 11, 2001.

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