Armed Fanatic Holds 30 Hostages in Sydney Siege
Australians everywhere are glued to the news and social media as a gunman has brought Sydney to a standstill, holding nearly 30 coffee shop goers hostage.
All eyes are on Australia right now as nearly 30 people have been taken hostage by a armed gunmen believe to be a fanatical Islamist.
The attack began at 9:44am local time at Lindt Chocolate Café in Martin in Sydney. Taking fewer than 30 people hostage, the gunman forced one of his captives to hold up what appears to be the Saudi Arabian flag against the window. Police have announced that they have made contact with the kidnapper and say it may it will take a while to resolve the situation. Recently five people managed to escape, and no injuries have been reported, however it is unclear if their release was part of the ongoing negotiations with police.
As it stands the situation is still unfolding and can be followed on news outlet and across several social media platforms. Fearing that the incident will cause a violent backlash towards Australian Muslims the twitterverse have adopted the #illridewithyou after being posted by Australian Tessa Kum.
If you reg take the #373 bus b/w Coogee/MartinPl, wear religious attire, & don’t feel safe alone: I’ll ride with you. @ me for schedule
— Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014
I'm an irregular bus buddy; regular 9-5ers, feel free to join in. #illridewithyou Again, this doesn't have to be Sydney specific.
— Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014
More than happy to join the #IllRideWithYou initiative. T3 or T4 from Sydenham to city and return, daily.
— Jakkii Musgrave (@slybeer) December 15, 2014
The outpouring of Australian’s willing to ride with Muslims to protect them from random attacks is heartwarming and ensuring that there are caring people who understand how to separate the mentally insane from a religion. However, as always there is the good side to social media and its evil side. While many lives remain hanging in the balance some Australians felt the need to prove how much of a dick they are by taking selfies in front unfolding crisis.
Bystanders taking selfies at scene of Sydney hostage siege. http://t.co/OgTn7iAO1W pic.twitter.com/FkxZWo6dSs
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) December 15, 2014
The punters are back taking selfies 100m from the Lindt Cafe #sydneysiege pic.twitter.com/JoAa9JO0Ep
— Mark Di Stefano (@MarkDiStef) December 15, 2014
Of course this display of insensitive narcissism has sparked plenty of deserving outrage. Our prayers and well wishes our with the families of those still in danger and hope that good trends over evil. To any Australian planning to visit Egypt - rest assured #illridewithyou.
[Update] According to the Guardian, Police confirm that the armed assailant is 49-year old Iranian, Man Haron Monis, also known as Sheikh Haron.
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Photo courtesy of AP.
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