Police Raid Sydney Café
- By Matt Holden
- Dec 15, 2014
Australian special forces and police entered the Lindt café in Sydney early Tuesday and killed a hostage-taker, according to reports. There were at least nine people in the building at the time, and the gunman was wearing a thick black vest which concerned law enforcement.
A Muslim cleric had been holding hostages for several hours, shutting down central Sydney. Australian media reported that some people may have died, but police forces have not disclosed a number.
Hostages were seen holding flags with Arabic writing that read “There is no God but God and Mohammad is the prophet of God.”
During the standoff, five hostages sprinted out of the café toward armed police officers.
The gunman was Man Haron Monis, also known as Sheikh Haron, pleaded guilty to 2013 to writing letters to Australian service members saying they were “Hitler’s soldiers.” He was believed to be acting alone.
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.