Australians Held Hostage today by an Islamic group

[Madhuri]

Martin Place cafe siege | Sydney CBD hostages at Lindt cafe

40-50 people, most young, are being held hostage in a Lindt cafe in Sydeny by what seems to be a Jihadist. Nobody yet knows why or what might happen.
This will be horrifying if people are killed.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

It's a horrible situation.

 

[Thana]

Well.. That sucks.

And a chocolate shop of all places?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

There was a raid earlier in the day, with an arrest (or arrests). No idea if the two things are linked.

 

[Madhuri]

There was a raid earlier in the day, with an arrest (or arrests). No idea if the two things are linked.

There haven't been any reported links as far as I've seen.

 

[Madhuri]

The gunman has reportedly demanded to speak with the PM and claimed that he has planted explosive devices in 4 locations across the city.

LIVE STREAM: Hostages held up by armed gunman in Sydney cafe - 9news.com.au

 

[Iti oj]

Wow I hope the best for those held hostage, and the city and country at large. My heart goes out to them.

 

[Poeticus]

This is highly discouraging news, Madhuri-ji! My heart goes out to those currently suffering under such a despicable and backward act. I hope for only the best for those currently held hostage, and for a speedy and thoughtful solution to such a terrifying situation from which the hostages come out safe and unhurt.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

Martin Place cafe siege | Sydney CBD hostages at Lindt cafe

40-50 people, most young, are being held hostage in a Lindt cafe in Sydeny by what seems to be a Jihadist. Nobody yet knows why or what might happen.
This will be horrifying if people are killed.

I also heard the Opera House has been evacuated as well (not sure if linked with this), some of our sub-contractors at opera house have left and stopped work till more news comes. Lets wish for the best out-come, I would not like to be Muslim in Sydney if people get killed.

 

[Chakra]

Oh God! Why do these things keep happening? I just hope that everything goes well and no innocent person gets hurt.

 

[Madhuri]

I also heard the Opera House has been evacuated as well (not sure if linked with this), some of our sub-contractors at opera house have left and stopped work till more news comes. Lets wish for the best out-come, I would not like to be Muslim in Sydney if people get killed.

A few places have been evacuated because of this.
It's scary for everyone, including Muslims, I'm sure. They get abused whenever these things happen.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

A few places have been evacuated because of this.
It's scary for everyone, including Muslims, I'm sure. They get abused whenever these things happen.

It is unfortunate that happens, but there can be a lot of ignorant people out there, even the Sikh community gets targeted sometimes just because they have a "Turban", and "Beard", but i think generally the majority of Sydney people will handle it in a civilized manner.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

A few places have been evacuated because of this.
It's scary for everyone, including Muslims, I'm sure. They get abused whenever these things happen.

Yep...there were some threats made about explosive devices having been planted so they're being super cautious.
Our Sydney office was eventually evacuated too, though it's a couple of blocks from the scene.

 

[Iti oj]

Any updates?

 

[Gharib]

What a pathetic act. People like him and ISIL are undeserving to live among us.

Latest Update:
5 people have escaped. Another 15-25 still inside. One man operation.
Some from inside the cafe have contacted family members and TV stations.
They say he's asked to speak to the PM and has asked for an ISIL flag. (The flag used by ISIL is the inscription of the seal our Prophet used. It also contains the declaration of faith, these ignorant scum bags have no authority to use them as they don't represent Islam or it's teachings in the slightest way.)

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Just caught this on UK TV news - siege still going on. Dreadful.
I hope it ends peacefully.

 

[oldbadger]

Thanks for making this thread.
I had no idea until I logged in to RF.

Extremely sad situation for everybody, the hostages and their families and friends, the pressures on security forces, the certain upheaval in the city and also for honest Muslims.

It's had to know what else to say, just now.

 

[FearGod]

Martin Place cafe siege | Sydney CBD hostages at Lindt cafe

40-50 people, most young, are being held hostage in a Lindt cafe in Sydeny by what seems to be a Jihadist. Nobody yet knows why or what might happen.
This will be horrifying if people are killed.

I think of it as a stupid drama or a mad man regardless of what his belief is.

 

[Madhuri]

Because the gunman has made no effort to hide his identity, speculators say that he most likely does not have an exit plan and this could likely end in an ugly way.

 

[Madhuri]

I think of it as a stupid drama or a mad man regardless of what his belief is.

An extremist, obviously. Apparently ISIS is calling for people around the world to do what they have been thinking of doing or planning now. At least, that is what I read on one of the news sites. This man is not confirmed to be associated with ISIS but it's one possibility.