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Hostage standoff in Sydney. Landmarks evacuated. Hostage standoff in Sydney. Landmarks evacuated.
(about 1 hour later)
An undetermined number of people are being held hostage in a cafe in Sydney, according to police. While authorities have not said who took the hostage or how many people are involved, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said a black flag with Arabic writing is being waved behind the hostages. New South Wales police said an undisclosed number of people have been taken hostage at a cafe in Sydney. At least two have been seen through windows at Lindt Cafe with their hands raised, while a black flag with Arabic writing waved behind them, stating “There is no God but Allah” and “Mohammed is the messenger of God,” according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Prime Minister Tony Abbot said he did not know whether the situation at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney was “politically motivated,” though “obviously there are some indications that it could be.” Although authorities would not disclose, or did not know, who took the hostages or how many there were, Australian television reported that there were about 10 employees and 30 customers in the cafe. No injuries have been reported.
As a precaution, Sydney landmarks like the Opera House and State Library have been evacuated, according to news reports. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that although the suspect’s motivation is still unknown, “we have to appreciate that even in a society such as ours, there are people that would wish to do us harm.”
Abbott said although the suspect’s motivation is still unknown, “We have to appreciate that even in a society such as ours, there are people that would wish to do us harm.” “We don’t know whether this is politically motivated, although obviously there are some indications that it could be,” told in the nation’s capital, Canberra. He added: “The whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves. Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society. Nothing should ever change that and that’s why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual.”
Outside, heavily armed officers lined the street, which have now been closed. Nearby offices have been evacuated. A police spokeswoman told The Post the incident began Monday morning as people were arriving for work in Martin Place, a plaza in the Sydney’s financial and shopping district. Witnesses told BBC News they saw a man with a bag and gun walk into the chocolate shop and cafe. Streets surrounding the area were shut down. The Martin Place train station was also closed. Police said in a statement that officers were handling an “armed incident” and that officers were “attempting to make contact with those inside” the cafe.
“The whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves,” he added. “I would urge all Australians to go about their business as usual.” Soon after, local TV footage showed people inside with the black flag up to the window.
A police spokeswoman told the AP that no injuries had been reported. Those in the area were instructed to stay away.
“This is a very disturbing incident. I can understand the concerns and anxieties of the Australia people at a time like this but our thoughts and prayers must above all go out to the individuals who are caught up in this,” Abbott said. As a precaution, Sydney landmarks such as the Opera House and State Library were evacuated, according to news reports. By the afternoon, police were letting some people back into the opera house, where local media had reported a suspicious package, according to the Guardian.
Police commissioner Andrew Scipione said there is no confirmation the incident is related to terrorism.
“We want the matter resolved peacefully and we will do all we need to do to ensure that,” he said. “We are very contained. We certainly have tight restrictions and tight controls around that location and we will work as long as we need to bring this to an outcome. The officers there are trained and professional. They know what they’re doing and they have trained for. This I am sure they will get through this and this will be an outcome that will be positive.”
Abbott said the incident was still unfolding and urged caution.
“This is a very disturbing incident. I can understand the concerns and anxieties of the Australia people at a time like this but our thoughts and prayers must above all go out to the individuals who are caught up in this,” he said.