137 PHOTOS Sydney Siege - Hostage situation - updated 12/16 See Gallery Sydney siege gunman ID'd as 'hate sheikh' after five hostages frantically escape SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 23: SES Volunteers carefully carry away a photo tribute of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson at Martin Place on December 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Volunteers have gathered at Martin Place this morning to begin clearing the thousands of bouquets and cards left in tribute to Tori Johnnson and Katrina Dawson, who were killed in last week's hostage siege at the Lindt Cafe. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 23: A photo tribute for Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson is seen amongst flowers at a wreath laying ceremony after the funeral for Tori Johnson at Martin Place on December 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Volunteers have gathered at Martin Place this morning to begin clearing the thousands of bouquets and cards left in tribute to Tori Johnnson and Katrina Dawson, who were killed in last week's hostage siege at the Lindt Cafe. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 23: SES Volunteers prepare to take remove a photo tribute of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson at Martin Place on December 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Volunteers have gathered at Martin Place this morning to begin clearing the thousands of bouquets and cards left in tribute to Tori Johnnson and Katrina Dawson, who were killed in last week's hostage siege at the Lindt Cafe. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 23: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Volunteers from the State Emergency Services remove flowers from the Memorial for victims of the siege in Martin Place on December 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Volunteers have gathered at Martin Place this morning to begin clearing the thousands of bouquets and cards left in tribute to Tori Johnnson and Katrina Dawson, who were killed in last week's hostage siege at the Lindt Cafe. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) One of the hostages runs towards police from a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Five people ran out of a Sydney cafe where a gunman has taken hostages and displayed an Islamic flag against the window, witnesses and police said December 15, adding that no one has yet been harmed. AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) Australian police say the 16-hour siege in Sydney, where a gunman was holding dozens of people hostage, is now over. One of the hostages runs towards police from a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Five people ran out of a Sydney cafe where a gunman has taken hostages and displayed an Islamic flag against the window, witnesses and police said December 15, adding that no one has yet been harmed. AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) One of the hostages runs towards police from a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Five people ran out of a Sydney cafe where a gunman has taken hostages and displayed an Islamic flag against the window, witnesses and police said December 15, adding that no one has yet been harmed. AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) Hero victims of #sydney siege named as one shielded pregnant friend from bullets: http://t.co/ttCVi2NPAm http://t.co/KjBhB7i6o8 The two hostages killed during the #SydneySiege were Katrina Dawson, 38, and Tori Johnson, 34. http://t.co/zjB76IGQHK http://t.co/GgvEYvjMys TV host Natalie Barr breaks down live on air after learning she knew #sydneysiege victim.. http://t.co/fKmpgvQlbf http://t.co/2uoku1Q6w7 VIDEO: Heartbreaking moment reporter breaks down after realising she knew #sydneysiege victim: http://t.co/XLcruTuXgt http://t.co/s2uFdGOYA4 Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (L) and his wife Margaret lay wreaths at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman walks past flowers placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman walks past flowers placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People wait in line to place flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman walks past flowers placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Pedestrians walks past flowers placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (centre L) and his wife Margaret prepare to lay wreaths at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (centre L) and his wife Margaret lay wreaths at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives with his wife Margaret to pay their respects at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) A man and woman pray as visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) Australian flags fly at half mast on Sydney Harbour bridge following the fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) A man (C) prays as visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Local political figures pay their respects at the Martin Place memorial site on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People come to pay their respects at the Martin Place vigil on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People pay their respects at the Martin Place vigil on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) Visitors sign condolences and flowers are laid at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers placed at Martin Place vigil are seen on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man plays a harmonica in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Mourners at Martin Place vigil are seen on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the public write messages in condolence books in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) Prime Minister Tony Abbott (L) and his wife Margaret arrive to pay respects and lay wreaths at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: New South Wales Premier Mike Baird attends a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the public attend a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: New South Wales Premier Mike Baird attends a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Australian Governor General Peter Cosgrove attends a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Australian Governor General Peter Cosgrove attends a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Archbishop of Sydney, Most Reverend Anthony Fisher shakes hands with Australian Governor General Peter Cosgrove during a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove pays his respects at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) People lay floral tributes in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) New South Wales Premier Mike Baird lays flowers in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Members of Sydney's Muslim community lay flowers in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Members of Sydney's Muslim community lay flowers in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) A young girl places floral tributes in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) People lay floral tributes in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Members of Sydney's Muslim community lay flowers in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A young girl holds a balloon aloft in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A young girl holds aloft a chocolate on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) The first hostage to escape the #SydneySiege has spoken about the horrifying ordeal. http://t.co/50ot2LAJHL http://t.co/YClAd0Osi0 John O'Brien, 83, first man out of Lindt Cafe tells of his escape from the crazed gunman: http://t.co/HDs6xBJx1A http://t.co/e1F4QtrwuV #sydneysiege: Unlike 26/11, media must think first and telecast later, says @sandipr http://t.co/zFdF5miHRH http://t.co/Tac91U0OSc John O'Brian, 83, the first hostage to escape #sydneysiege #facesofmartinplace http://t.co/oox4egS6yj http://t.co/IjPXnPOIle Credit: Facebook SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Iranian born Muslim cleric, Sheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, arrives at Downing Centre Court in Sydney, where he faced charges of sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. (Photo by Cameron Richardson/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Iranian born Muslim cleric, Sheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, chained to a railing outside the Downing Centre Court in Sydney in an anti-war protest. He had appeared in court to face charges of sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. (Photo by Cameron Richardson/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Iranian born Muslim cleric, Sheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, arrives at Downing Centre Court in Sydney, where he faced charges of sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. (Photo by Cameron Richardson/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 10: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Man Haron Monis, gunman in the Lindt Chocolat Café siege in Martin Place, Sydney, is photographed outside the Downing Centre Court, Sydney, February 10, 2010. He was convicted in 2013 for sending hate mail to Australian war widows and was charged with sexual offences in October 2014 relating to his time as a self-proclaimed spiritual leader. (Photo by Kate Geraghty/Fairfax Media/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Iranian born Muslim cleric, Sheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, holds a press conference after leaving Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney. The Sheik is banned from contacting any member of the defence forces after he allegedly sent offensive letters to widows of Diggers killed in Afghanistan, accusing them of being 'murderers'. (Photo by Stephen Cooper/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Iranian born Muslim cleric, Sheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, chained to a railing outside the Downing Centre Court in Sydney in an anti-war protest. He had appeared in court to face charges of sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. (Photo by Cameron Richardson/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Iranian born Muslim cleric, Sheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, chained to a railing outside the Downing Centre Court in Sydney in an anti-war protest. He had appeared in court to face charges of sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. (Photo by Cameron Richardson/Newspix/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Large crowds wait in line to lay dwon flowers in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Large crowds are seen in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Women comfort eachother in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) (EDITORS NOTE: Image is highest resolution available.) Man Haron Monis, gunman in the Lindt Chocolat Café siege in Martin Place, Sydney, speaks to the press on April 14, 2014. He was convicted in 2013 for sending hate mail to Australian war widows and was charged with sexual offences in October 2014 relating to his time as a self-proclaimed spiritual leader. (Photo by Nick Ralston/Fairfax Media/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Women embrace in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the Muslim community show their respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People queue to buy flowers in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the Muslim community show their respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A women reacts looking at a shrine of flowers in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Poloce officers talk next to Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Police officers talk next to Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) A female hostage stands by the front entrance of the cafe as she turns the lights off in the Sydney central business district on December 15, 2014. Five people ran out of a Sydney cafe where a gunman has taken hostages and displayed an Islamic flag against the window, witnesses and police said on December 15, adding that no one has yet been harmed. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: A Policeman looks on on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Armed police are seen outside the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Police move items on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Police move items on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Police confer on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: An armed policeman is seen in Phillip St on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: A Policeman listens to a radio on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Policeman looks on on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: An armed policeman is seen in Phillip St on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Police confer on Philip St near the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: An armed policeman is seen in Phillip St on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Two hostages run to safety outside the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: A hostage runs to safety outside the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: A hostage runs to safety outside the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) A police sniper walks to his vehicle during a hostage siege in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Five people ran out of a Sydney cafe where a gunman has taken hostages and displayed an Islamic flag against the window, witnesses and police said on December 15, adding that no one has yet been harmed. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) Police gesture as a hostage (unseen) escapes from an emergency exit during a hostage siege in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Hostages were being held inside the cafe with a siege underway and an Islamic flag held up to a window, witnesses and reports said. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Catherine Burn, Deputy Commissioner of the Specialist Operations speaks to the media in relation to the Sydney hostage incident at Sydney Police Centre on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydeny Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. An armed man believed to be an Islamic terrorist is holding multiple people hostage at Lindt Chocolate Café. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) Armed police are seen near a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. A gunman was holding terrified hostages inside a Sydney cafe December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed at the window, triggering a lockdown in an area home to government and corporate headquarters. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) A police rescue squad are seen near a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. A gunman was holding terrified hostages inside a Sydney cafe December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed at the window, triggering a lockdown in an area home to government and corporate headquarters. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Armed police perform a safety check with a dog on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydeny Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police secure the area near Lindt Chocolate Café in Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydeny Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. An armed man believed to be an Islamic terrorist is holding at least 20 people hostage at Lindt Chocolate Café. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police secure the area near Lindt Chocolate Café in Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydeny Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. An armed man believed to be an Islamic terrorist is holding at least 20 people hostage at Lindt Chocolate Café. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Armed policeman are seen outside Lindt Cafe on Philip St, Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Police attend a hostage situation at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) Sydney siege live coverage: At least 13 people believed to be inside cafe. http://t.co/0xF0CbWi05 http://t.co/RSzix5A0yL Around a dozen people held hostage in #Sydney #siege situation. Rolling coverage continues - http://t.co/jfQHQxCKbb http://t.co/nR3oT6AraH #breaking This is the scene live in #Sydney at the cafe siege - between 13 & 20 held, Islamic flag in window http://t.co/RNKRqkJaf3 More: Location of the hostage situation currently occurring in #Sydney's Martin Place. http://t.co/EZtyxzZyys Re: no planes over #Sydney, @flightradar24 seems to confirm that: http://t.co/dGzPglGXxt #BREAKING: There is a siege situation in #Sydney's Martin place. http://t.co/4MizfSFJvr An apparent suspect, as shown on Australian TV. (Can’t remember which network.) http://t.co/BDokyRCi1m Hundreds of concerned onlookers at Martin Place. Some praying out loud for those inside. http://t.co/vh2JtE2eEE Police secure the scene near #LindtCafe, #MartinPlace on December 15, 2014 #SydneyHostages http://t.co/dU3DNer6lt #BREAKING: @campricenews says NSW Parliament has been put into lockdown. #martinplace LIVE Ch 601 http://t.co/c9Akjv9BW2 Armed police are seen outside a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney on December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an 'incident' at the nearby Opera House. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) Police close a street where a cafe is being used to hold hostages in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney on December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an 'incident' at the nearby Opera House. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) Armed police are seen outside a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney on December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an 'incident' at the nearby Opera House. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) Armed police are seen outside a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney on December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an 'incident' at the nearby Opera House. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) Armed police are seen outside a cafe in the central business district of Sydney on December 15, 2014. Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney on December 15 with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an 'incident' at the nearby Opera House. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police officers chat on the scene of the siege at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydeny Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) A police officer points his weapon towards the siege at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place on December 15, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydeny Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) Just waiting and hoping that this situation is resolved safely #MartinPlace http://t.co/fEkxEiYokb Picture of man believed to be holding people hostage at #MartinPlace: http://t.co/YbdGavteed via @7NewsSydney http://t.co/AaZGDU939l SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore pays her respects at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Women embrace in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE

#BREAKING: Two more women have been seen running out of the Lindt cafe #sydneysiegehttp://t.co/4MUc9ivwbK - ABC News (@abcnews) December 15, 2014

Infographic: The flag being shown in Martin Place, as compared to the flag used by IS and others. #SydneySiegepic.twitter.com/rMMU28danL - smh.com.au (@smh) December 15, 2014

Grand Mufti of Australia statement condemning #SydneySiegepic.twitter.com/8juQ032EdP - Adam Todd (@_AdamTodd) December 15, 2014

Again irreligious extremists hold innocent people hostage and hijack Islam. Our prayers with the hostages #Sydneysiege#ThisIsNotIslam - Rania Al Abdullah (@QueenRania) December 15, 2014

By RYAN GORMAN About a dozen hostages are reportedly being held by an armed gunman calling himself "the brother" in a Sydney, Australia, chocolate store who was allegedly encouraging them to use social media and call reporters.A 49-year-old, "self-styled" Iranian sheikh wanted as an accessory to murder stormed a Lindt cafe Monday morning in the city's financial district around 9:45 a.m., according to The Australian . He was identified by 9News as Haron Man Monis.Previous reports have labeled Monis as a "hate sheikh" and detailed his sordid past, which includes a charge for accessory to his ex-wife's murder, according to ABC News . The 30-year-old former spouse was reportedly stabbed to death and her body set on fire.Monis is currently free on bail. A girlfriend is his co-defendant, she has been charged with murder.Five people have since escaped the siege, which has gone on for more than 14 hours.The cafe is now pitch black as day has worn into the night. The hostage-taker has apparently ordered the lights be turned off.Three men and two women have escaped in the hours since the ordeal began. They were seen running out of the cafe and towards SWAT police with their hands in the air.Footage showed the two women running frantically to the waiting arms of SWAT commandos. The first woman was in hysterics as she met the officer, who whisked her to safety.The remaining hostages have spent the majority of Monday contacting Sydney radio and television stations and updating social media with the hostage-taker's demands.None of the hostages are believed to have been harmed, officials have repeatedly said. Media reports have suggested the gunman is armed with a shotgun, but police have not confirmed.Police sources have told 7News that the hostage-taker has demanded an Islamic State flag in exchange for the release of a single hostage. He also has claimed multiple bombs were planted inside the store and in the surrounding neighborhood, but police have not been unable to verify their existence.The suspected terrorist has also made repeated demands to speak with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, either over the phone or live on the radio.Police have identified the suspect but refuse to make his identity public, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said in a Monday afternoon press briefing. She also admitted knowing exactly how many hostages were being held but declined to provide the number for "operational reasons."Initial reports suggested 12 or 13 people were being held in the Lindt cafe, and Burn admitted the possibility that as many as 30 people were captive, but a 7 News journalist told CNN Monday evening that he counted about a dozen from his vantage point in television studios directly across from the store.Following the escape of the five detainees in two separate waves, the gunman became enraged and herded the remaining hostages into a different area of the store where he could better keep track of them.Hundreds of SWAT, police and military commandos have swarmed the area, lined the streets and even perched atop buildings as snipers.The gunman has been described as bearded and wearing a bandana, it is not clear which firearm(s) he is brandishing, in some reports. A witness told CNN the suspect is tall, in his late 40s, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and black vest. Footage from local media identified a possible suspect matching the suspicion.It is not clear if the suspect is a lone wolf or part of a larger group. Terror groups have been encouraging lone wolf attacks around the world during the past few months.A jihadist flag has been displayed in the front window, footage from 7News showed, and some reports have suggested several dozen people are trapped inside. It is a shahada, or profession of faith, and appears to be displayed in place of an Islamic State flag, which the suspect has demanded."There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of God," the flag says, according to The New Daily Lindt's CEO told The New Daily early on in the siege that there were 10 staff and several customers in the store when the gunmen entered. He estimated as many as 50 hostages.Top officials around the world and in Australia have condemned the incident, including the country's top Muslim imam.Authorities said in a Monday afternoon press conference they have yet to confirm motivation for the assault or the suspected terrorist's nationality.

"We have an armed offender holding an undisclosed number of hostages," said NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione. "We're still determining what it is that may well be the motivation."

Video from the scene posted to Facebook shows an eerie lack of pedestrians and vehicles in the middle of one of the busiest neighborhoods in Australia's largest city.The ordeal began when a woman saw a man walking with a blue duffel bag, thought he had a gun and told police, 7News is also reporting. The suspect then walked inside the chocolate shop, locked the doors and began taking hostages.Images from the scene show hostages grimly pressed up against the store's windows while holding the black and white flag up for the world to see.The area has been completely shut down to pedestrian and vehicular traffic and police have swarmed the storefront, according to the Daily Telegraph . Subways in the area have also been halted.Abbott also admitted during a Monday afternoon press conference that the siege could be politically-motivated."We must appreciate, even in a society such as ours, there are people who wish to do us harm," Harper told his jittery nation, and the world. "Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society, nothing should ever change that."The Sydney Opera House was evacuated over concerns from a suspicious package but has since been reopened, CNBC World reported. The 7News network was also ordered to evacuate its headquarters located only blocks from the cafe, according to reports.All courts and the U.S. consulate, both in the Martin Place neighborhood, have also been evacuated, according to several reports.Earlier reports that the airspace over Sydney was closed were immediately refuted by officials. Some flights have been diverted to avoid helicopters in the air over the scene.Numerous bus and train lines were also suspended, according to reports, but service has mostly resumed outside of the immediate area surrounding the siege.Martin Place is a shopping mall located the Australian city's financial district. The country's federal reserve bank and several major banks are headquartered in the immediate vicinity.The Sydney Stock Exchange, which is only blocks away, was locked down along with many of the area's other financial institutions.Lindt released the following statement on Facebook.The terror-backed Islamic State has threatened Australia in the past. A September audio tape urged so-called "lone wolf" attackers to target the island nation.The threats came as Australian authorities carried out a number of terror-related raids in the past few months. Federal officials even raised the country's terror alert only weeks ago.This is a developing story, more information will come as it is made available.