Ruby Ridge

The deadly 1992 siege at survivalist Randy Weaver's compound at Ruby Ridge, ID, marked a turning point in the escalating standoff between anti-government zealots and the FBI. Filmmaker Barak Goodman's PBS-aired American Experience documentary tells the story of former Green Beret soldier Weaver and his family, whose anti-government passions were stoked during the farm foreclosure crisis in the 1980s. Seeking independence, Weaver's family moved from Iowa to a secluded mountain top in Idaho, where they lived without phones or electricity. Gradually forming an Old Testament apocalyptic "end times" view, Weaver also became involved with racists who were meeting in a nearby "Christian Identity" compound—a group that preached toxic views, including racial and ethnic segregation, while arming themselves for a showdown with any and all government authorities. U.S. marshals grew alarmed by reports that Weaver was sawing off shotguns, a violation of federal law. While conducting surveillance, a chance encounter led to the shooting death of a marshal and one of Weaver's sons. Operating without solid information, the FBI set up road blocks, and Weaver—who already declined to cooperate with the government against the Aryan cult—refused to come out and surrender. In the ensuing siege, Weaver's wife was killed, and he and an associate were wounded. Unknown to authorities, the body of Weaver's wife's lay in the family's cabin for days, further inflaming emotions. Finally, Bo Gritz (allegedly a real-life model for Rambo) negotiated a protracted and painful surrender. The blame for this siege could be shared between Weaver, who clearly held racist views; rabble-rousing supporters, who hurled invective at FBI officers; and an overzealous government bureau. Eventually, Weaver was acquitted of charges and received a multimillion dollar settlement. A solid thematic companion to Goodman's recent PBS documentary Oklahoma City (VL-7/17), this timely cautionary tale is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)