ATF wanted felony arrest stats, which are like tokens that can be exchanged for more funding. All of these people died because of stats. That was the motive. That is what drove this inept and ludicrous operation.

The FBI gets their stats in large part by claiming credit for STL (State and Local police) cases. And also by arresting military deserters, who are usually found at their parents house.

Stat wars. Believe it.