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{{short description|Terror hostage-taking in 2014 in Sydney, Australia}}
{{Pp|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Australian English|date=December 2014}} {{Use Australian English|date=December 2014}}
{{Infobox civilian attack {{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2014 Sydney hostage crisis | title = Lindt Cafe siege
| image = 2014 Sydney hostage crisis 02.jpg | image = Martin-place-lindt-1.jpg
| image_size = 300px | image_size = 240
| caption = People in Martin Place near the Lindt Chocolate Café during the crisis | caption = Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, Sydney
| map = 2014-hostage-crisis-openstreetmap.svg
| location = ], ], New South Wales, Australia
| map_size = 240
| map_caption = Map indicating the location of the incident. ] is denoted in blue, towards the centre of the map.
| location = ], ], ], Australia
| coordinates = {{coord|33|52|04.6|S|151|12|40|E|region:AU-NSW_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | coordinates = {{coord|33|52|04.6|S|151|12|40|E|region:AU-NSW_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| target = Café staff and customers | target = Cafe staff and customers
| date = 15–16 December 2014 | date = 15–16 December 2014
| time-begin = 9:44 a.m. | time-begin = 9:44am
| time-end = 2:31 a.m. | time-end = 2:44am
| timezone = ], ] | timezone = ], ]
| type = ] | type = ], ]
| fatalities = 3 (including the perpetrator)<ref name=7-tragedy>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege ends in tragedy|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/25772503/siege-situation-in-martin-place/|work=Yahoo!7 News|quote=Seven Network reporter Chris Reason.... said the two dead are the gunman and a hostage. The hostage was killed by the gunman.}}</ref><ref name=smh-blog>{{cite news|last1=Fallon|first1=Daniel|last2=Saulwick|first2=Jacob|title=Lindt Cafe hostage drama in Martin Place, Sydney: day two|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-day-two-20141215-127suz.html|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 December 2014|quote=Fairfax Media has been told that two people are dead, one of whom is the gunman, Man Haron Monis.}}</ref> | fatalities = 3 (including the perpetrator)<ref name=7-tragedy>{{cite news|title=Martin Place transformed as city pays tribute|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/25772503/siege-situation-in-martin-place/|work=Yahoo!7 News|date=17 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304194945/https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/25772503/siege-situation-in-martin-place/|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="smh-127suz"/>
| injuries = 4<ref>{{cite press release|title=Critical incident established following Martin Place siege|url=http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGNDMxNDguaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D|publisher=]|location=]|date=16 December 2014|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref> | injuries = 4<ref name=":1">{{cite press release|title=Martin Place siege – victim update|url=http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/media_release_archive?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGNDMxNTUuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205012614/http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/media_release_archive?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGNDMxNTUuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2016|publisher=]|location=Sydney|date=16 December 2014|access-date=16 December 2014}}</ref>
| perps = ]<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege">{{cite web|url=http://www.9news.com.au/National/2014/12/15/10/00/Major-police-operation-in-Sydneys-Martin-Place|title=LIVE STREAM: Sydney siege hostages 'huddled at one end of café'|work=9news.com.au|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=age-Monis /><ref name=abc-Monis /> | perp = ]<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege">{{cite web|url=http://www.9news.com.au/National/2014/12/15/10/00/Major-police-operation-in-Sydneys-Martin-Place|title=LIVE STREAM: Sydney siege hostages 'huddled at one end of café'|work=9news.com.au|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215152528/http://www.9news.com.au/National/2014/12/15/10/00/Major-police-operation-in-Sydneys-Martin-Place|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=age-Monis>{{cite news|last1=Ralston|first1=Nick|title=Martin Place, Sydney siege gunman identified as Man Haron Monis|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/martin-place-sydney-siege-gunman-identified-as-man-haron-monis-20141215-127sxt.html|access-date=15 December 2014|work=]|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218072008/http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/martin-place-sydney-siege-gunman-identified-as-man-haron-monis-20141215-127sxt.html|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=abc-Monis>{{cite news|last1=Knowles|first1=Lorna|title=Sydney siege: Man behind siege named as Iranian cleric Man Haron Monis|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/cleric/5969246|access-date=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=16 December 2014}}</ref>
| victims = 17 hostages<ref name=smh-127suz /> | victims = 18 hostages
| weapons = ], ]<ref name="foxnews1215"/> | weapons = Sawn-off shotgun
| motive = Islamic extremism<ref name="Hall, Bibby">{{cite news|first1=Louise|last1=Hall|first2=Paul|last2=Bibby|title=Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis was on bail for 40 sexual assault charges and accessory to murder|date=16 December 2014|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-was-on-bail-for-40-sexual-assault-charges-and-accessory-to-murder-20141215-127u1e.html|access-date=19 December 2014|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217084310/http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-was-on-bail-for-40-sexual-assault-charges-and-accessory-to-murder-20141215-127u1e.html|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Financial Times">{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/8181ed08-84dd-11e4-ba4f-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F8181ed08-84dd-11e4-ba4f-00144feabdc0.html%3Fsiteedition%3Dintl&siteedition=intl&_i_referer=#axzz3MCRhaqOP|title=Tony Abbott hails response to Australia's 'brush with terrorism'|work=Financial Times|date=16 December 2014 |access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=Gunman/><ref name=politicalmotivation/>
| motive = ]<ref name=Hostages in the Sydney siege: 'We’re not getting out of here'>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/16/hostages-in-the-sydney-siege-were-not-getting-out-of-here|title=Hostages in the Sydney siege: 'We’re not getting out of here'|work=theguardian.com|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref>
| inquiry = ]
| coroner = ] Michael Barnes, ]
}} }}
{{Terrorism in Australia}}
<!-- Per MOS:BOLDTITLE and WP:SBE, neither the article's title nor related text appears in bold. -->On 15–16 December 2014, a lone gunman, ],<ref name=age-Monis/><ref name=abc-Monis/> held hostage 17 customers and employees of a ] chocolate café located at ] in ], Australia. After a 16-hour standoff, during which areas of the ] surrounding the site were cordoned off and nearby buildings locked down,<ref name="businessinsider-happening" /> police officers from the ] stormed the café upon hearing gunshots from inside.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.9news.com.au/National/2014/12/15/10/00/Major-police-operation-in-Sydneys-Martin-Place|title=Hundreds lay floral tributes to Sydney siege victims|work=news|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref> One hostage was shot dead by the gunman, who in turn was shot dead by police. Another hostage died of a heart attack during transport to hospital.<ref name=7-tragedy /><ref name="9 news">Martin Place Siege
3:05pm 16 December 2014
</ref><ref name="telegraph">
"Victims of Sydney siege hailed as heroes after they die protecting hostages: Katrina Dawson, barrister and mother of three, was killed alongside Tori Johnson, Lindt manager who tried to wrestle gun from shooter's hands" By Josie Ensor, and Jonathan Pearlman in Sydney 11:36PM GMT 15 December 2014 </ref>


The '''Lindt Café siege''' was a terrorist attack that occurred on 15–16 December 2014 when a lone gunman, ], held ten customers and eight employees of a ] hostage in the ] in ], ], ].
Early on, hostages were seen holding up a ] with the Islamic '']'' creed in ].<ref name=smhlindt1> ''Sydney Morning Herald''. 15 December 2014.</ref><ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis" /> Initially the media mistook it for the ] used by the ] (ISIL).<ref name="Gunman 'with a political motivation' holds hostages in Sydney, Australia">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-major-police-operation-sydney-20141214-story.html#page=1|title=Police say they are in contact with gunman holding hostages in Sydney, Australia|work=news|accessdate=15 December 2014<!-- 8:40pm Perth time-->}}</ref><ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis">{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/seven-evacuates-newsroom-near-cafe-siege/story-e6frfku9-1227156337550|title=Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis|work=news.com.au|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> The gunman, who had history of criminal charges including sexual assault, and who was to be tried as an accessory in his wife's murder, was described as having claimed "political motivation".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Griffiths |first1=Emma |title=Sydney siege: Prime Minister Tony Abbott says gunman is 'claiming political motivation'|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/abbott-says-it-is-unclear-if-sydney-siege-politically-motivated/5967860|accessdate=15 December 2014|agency=ABC News|publisher=ABC News|date=15 December 2014<!--8pm Perth time-->}}</ref><ref name="Gunman 'with a political motivation' holds hostages in Sydney, Australia" />


The Sydney siege led to a 16-hour standoff, after which a gunshot was heard from inside and police officers from the ] (TOU) stormed the café. Hostage Tori Johnson was killed by Monis and hostage Katrina Dawson was killed by a police bullet ricochet in the subsequent raid. Monis was also killed. Three other hostages and a police officer were injured by police gunfire during the raid.<ref name="7-tragedy"/><ref name="Ensor">{{cite news|first1=Josie|last1=Ensor|first2=Jonathan|last2=Pearlman|title=Victims of Sydney siege hailed as heroes after they die protecting hostages|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11295658/Victims-of-Sydney-siege-hailed-as-heroes-after-they-die-protecting-hostages.html|access-date=17 December 2014|work=The Telegraph (UK)|date=15 December 2014|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216234857/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11295658/Victims-of-Sydney-siege-hailed-as-heroes-after-they-die-protecting-hostages.html|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=SMHInquest>{{cite news|last=Box|first=Dan|title=Sydney siege inquest: Lindt Cafe deaths investigated|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/sydney-siege/sydney-siege-inquest-lindt-cafe-deaths-investigated/story-fnqxbywy-1227200443586|date=29 January 2015|work=The Australian|access-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525192306/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/sydney-siege/sydney-siege-inquest-lindt-cafe-deaths-investigated/story-fnqxbywy-1227200443586|archive-date=25 May 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Police treated the event as a ] and negotiated with Haron throughout the day.<ref name=smh-terrorist>{{cite news|last1=Ralston|first1=Nick|last2=Partridge|first2=Emma|title=Martin Place siege being treated as terrorist attack, police confirm|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-being-treated-as-terrorist-attack-police-confirm-20141215-127mh5.html|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=abc-know>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege: What we do and don't know about hostage situation in Martin Place|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/sydney-siege-what-we-know/5967610|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 December 2014}}</ref> About 50 Muslim groups issued a joint statement in which they condemned the incident.<ref name=abc-blog>{{cite news|last1=Franklin|first1=Daniel|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137083674|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=15 December 2014}}</ref>

Police have been criticised over their handling of the siege for not taking proactive action earlier, for the deaths of hostages at the end of the siege, and for the lack of negotiation during the siege. Hostage Marcia Mikhael called radio station ] during the siege and said, "They have not negotiated, they've done nothing. They have left us here to die."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/sydney-siege-inquest-hears-tori-johnsons-execution-was-prompted-by-hostage-escape/news-story/59af4115c56353e4c67c056bf0443bf9 | title=Sydney siege inquest hears Tori Johnson's execution was prompted by hostage escape | access-date=17 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617140320/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/sydney-siege-inquest-hears-tori-johnsons-execution-was-prompted-by-hostage-escape/news-story/59af4115c56353e4c67c056bf0443bf9 | archive-date=17 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-hostage-marcia-mikhael-accuses-police-of-lying/news-story/68f2a5a5d7f199fe0c8dc7c1a03721c9
| title=Lindt cafe siege inquest: Hostage Marcia Mikhael accuses police of lying}}</ref>

Early on, hostages were seen holding a ] against the window of the café, featuring the '']'' creed.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-chocolat-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-20141215-1278cx.html|title=Lindt Chocolate Cafe Hostage Drama in Martin Place Sydney|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 December 2014|first=Daniel|last=Fallon|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215004552/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-chocolat-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-20141215-1278cx.html|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis"/> Initially, many media organisations mistook it for the flag used by the ] (IS); Monis later demanded that an IS flag be brought to him.<ref name="Gunman">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-major-police-operation-sydney-20141214-story.html#page=1|title=Police say they are in contact with gunman holding hostages in Sydney, Australia|work=news|access-date=15 December 2014<!-- 8:40pm Perth time-->|date=15 December 2014|first=Andrea|last=Booth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215015847/http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-major-police-operation-sydney-20141214-story.html#page=1|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/seven-evacuates-newsroom-near-cafe-siege/story-e6frfku9-1227156337550|title=Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis|work=news.com.au|access-date=15 December 2014|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215040723/http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/seven-evacuates-newsroom-near-cafe-siege/story-e6frfku9-1227156337550|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=black-flag>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/17/before-he-flew-the-black-flag-monis-was-just-a-desperate-man-with-a-violent-past|title=Before he flew the black flag, Monis was just a desperate man with a violent past|first=Yassir|last=Morsi|work=the Guardian|access-date=17 December 2014|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217042605/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/17/before-he-flew-the-black-flag-monis-was-just-a-desperate-man-with-a-violent-past|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Monis also unsuccessfully demanded to speak to the ], ], live on radio. Monis was described by Abbott as having indicated a "political motivation,"<ref name="Gunman"/><ref name="politicalmotivation">{{cite news|last1=Griffiths|first1=Emma|title=Sydney siege: Prime Minister Tony Abbott says gunman is 'claiming political motivation'|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/abbott-says-it-is-unclear-if-sydney-siege-politically-motivated/5967860|access-date=15 December 2014|agency=ABC News|publisher=ABC News|date=15 December 2014<!--8pm Perth time-->|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215174053/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/abbott-says-it-is-unclear-if-sydney-siege-politically-motivated/5967860|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> but the eventual assessment was that the gunman was "a very unusual case—a rare mix of extremism, mental health problems and plain criminality."<ref name=Kenny1>{{cite news|last1=Kenny|first1=Mark|title=Sydney siege report: Biggest question left unanswered in review|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/sydney-siege-report-biggest-question-left-unanswered-in-review-20150223-13lgda.html|access-date=27 February 2015|issue=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225182058/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/sydney-siege-report-biggest-question-left-unanswered-in-review-20150223-13lgda.html|archive-date=25 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the siege, Muslim groups issued a joint statement in which they condemned the incident,<ref name="abc-blog">{{cite news|last1=Franklin|first1=Daniel|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137083674|access-date=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215113015/http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137083674|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and memorial services were held in the city at the nearby ] and ].<ref name=Head>{{cite web|last1=Head|first1=Ivan|title=St James' Memorial Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson|date=19 December 2014|url=http://sjks.org.au/wp-content/uploads/St-James-Memorial-Katrina-Dawson-and-Tori-Johnson.pdf|publisher=]|access-date=28 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228112852/http://sjks.org.au/wp-content/uploads/St-James-Memorial-Katrina-Dawson-and-Tori-Johnson.pdf|archive-date=28 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Condolence books were set up in other Lindt cafés and the community turned Martin Place into a "field of flowers."<ref name="Kembreymemorial">{{cite news|last1=Kembrey|first1=Melanie|title=Sydney siege aftermath: memorial at Martin Place continues to grow|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-memorial-at-martin-place-continues-to-grow-20141217-1297ns.html|access-date=20 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120012907/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-memorial-at-martin-place-continues-to-grow-20141217-1297ns.html|archive-date=20 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Martin Place Lindt café was severely damaged during the police raid, closed afterwards, then renovated for reopening in March 2015.<ref name=Visentin1>{{cite news|last1=Visentin|first1=Lisa|title=Lindt cafe to reopen in March following Sydney siege tragedy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/lindt-cafe-to-reopen-in-march-following-sydney-siege-tragedy-20150212-13cwrp.html|access-date=12 February 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=12 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213041253/http://www.smh.com.au/national/lindt-cafe-to-reopen-in-march-following-sydney-siege-tragedy-20150212-13cwrp.html|archive-date=13 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Olding2>{{cite news|last1=Olding|first1=Rachel|title=Sydney siege aftermath: Lindt Cafe to reopen this Friday|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-lindt-cafe-to-reopen-this-friday-20150317-1m1bkg.html|access-date=20 March 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319234839/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-lindt-cafe-to-reopen-this-friday-20150317-1m1bkg.html|archive-date=19 March 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


==Events== ==Events==
===Prior to event===
An anonymous call was made to Australia's anti-terrorism hotline 48 hours before the siege, raising concerns about the content of Monis's website. On his website, Monis had pledged allegiance to "the caliph of the Muslims", believed to be referring to Islamic State leader ], and denounced moderate Islam. It has been reported that the ] followed up on the call by reviewing the website and Monis's posts on social media but found nothing to indicate that he was likely to commit an act of violence.<ref name=websitereview>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/21/sydney-siege-anonymous-warning-about-man-haron-monis-followed-up-says-pm|title=Sydney siege: anonymous warning about Man Haron Monis followed up, says PM|first=Michael|last=Safi|work=the Guardian|date=21 December 2014|access-date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222022443/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/21/sydney-siege-anonymous-warning-about-man-haron-monis-followed-up-says-pm|archive-date=22 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Hostage-taking and negotiations=== ===Hostage-taking and negotiations===
] ]
]
] at the beginning of the crisis.]]
Monis entered the ] at 53 Martin Place, Sydney, at 8:33{{nbsp}}am Sydney local time (]) on 15 December 2014 (]+11). The café was located directly across from the ] television studios, and near the ], the headquarters of the ], ] bank, and ].
]
The crisis began at 9:44&nbsp;a.m. ] on 15 December (22:44 ], 14 December) when Haron entered the ] at 53 Martin Place, Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30485355|date=15 December 2014|accessdate=15 December 2014|website=BBC News|title=BBC News – Sydney siege leaves 3 dead}}</ref> The café is located directly across from the ] television studios, and nearby are the ], the headquarters of the ], ] bank, and ].


The hostage situation began at 9:44{{nbsp}}am, when Monis forced Tori Johnson, the manager of the café, to phone ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30485355|date=15 December 2014|access-date=15 December 2014|website=BBC News|title=BBC News – Sydney siege leaves 3 dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215154949/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30485355|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Louise|last1=Hall|first2=Paul|last2=Bibby|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-haron-monis-ordered-chocolate-cake-and-a-cup-of-tea-before-declaring-i-have-a-bomb-inquest-hears-20150129-130z9s.html|title=Man Haron Monis ordered chocolate cake and a cup of tea before declaring, 'I have a bomb', inquest hears|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=30 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129063827/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-haron-monis-ordered-chocolate-cake-and-a-cup-of-tea-before-declaring-i-have-a-bomb-inquest-hears-20150129-130z9s.html|archive-date=29 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Hostages were seen holding up a ] with the Arabic '']'' (an Islamic creed declaring, "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God").<ref name=smhlindt1> ''Sydney Morning Herald''. 15 December 2014.</ref><ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis" /> Some news reports initially mistook it for the ] used by the ] (ISIL).<ref name="Gunman 'with a political motivation' holds hostages in Sydney, Australia">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-major-police-operation-sydney-20141214-story.html#page=1|title=Police say they are in contact with gunman holding hostages in Sydney, Australia|work=news|accessdate=15 December 2014<!-- 8:40pm Perth time-->}}</ref>


Haron was described as bearded, wearing a white shirt and a black ], carrying a blue sports bag,<ref name="Sydney hostage crisis ends as commandos storm Lindt Cafe">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/15/sydney-siege-ends-police-storm-lindt-cafe-hostages-run-out|title=Two hostages and gunman dead as Sydney cafe siege ends|author=Peter Walker|work=the Guardian|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> and armed with a ].<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege" /><ref name="Gunman 'with a political motivation' holds hostages in Sydney, Australia" /> One of the hostages was reportedly being used as a ] by Haron.<ref>Rolling coverage on ] (]), '']'', 15 December 2014.</ref> Prior to the siege, the automatic sliding doors of the café were disabled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/12/15/siege-sydneys-martin-place-cafe|title=Sydney siege: Hostages held at Martin Place cafe|work=News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sydney Hostage Crisis: Dozens Held Inside Cafe, Islamic Flag Put Up on Window">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/sydney-hostage-crisis-dozens-held-inside-cafe-islamic-flag-put-up-on-window-634572|title=Sydney Hostage Crisis: Dozens Held Inside Cafe, Islamic Flag Put Up on Window|work=NDTV.com|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> Monis was bearded, wearing a black cap and wearing a black headband with the inscription, in Arabic: "We are ready to sacrifice for you, O Mohammad."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/15/man-haron-monis-sydney-siege-suspect|title=Man Haron Monis: fringe figure whose crime record and erratic behaviour made him notorious|first=Michael|last=Safi|work=the Guardian|date=16 December 2014|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125172557/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/15/man-haron-monis-sydney-siege-suspect|archive-date=25 November 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was carrying a blue sports bag, and armed with a sawed-off pump-action shotgun.<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege"/><ref name="Gunman"/><ref name="foxnews1215"/><ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/15/sydney-siege-ends-police-storm-lindt-cafe-hostages-run-out|title=Two hostages and gunman dead as Sydney cafe siege ends|first1=Helen|last1=Davidson|first2=Peter|last2=Walker|first3=Michael|last3=Safi|work=the Guardian|access-date=15 December 2014|date=16 December 2014<!--09.14 AEST-->|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215162212/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/15/sydney-siege-ends-police-storm-lindt-cafe-hostages-run-out|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The shotgun was old but could fire four shots in five seconds.<ref name=shotgun>{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-shotgun-used-by-man-monis-capable-of-firing-four-shots-in-five-seconds-20150902-gjd8fb.html | title=Lindt cafe siege: shotgun used by Man Monis capable of firing four shots in five seconds | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904205705/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-shotgun-used-by-man-monis-capable-of-firing-four-shots-in-five-seconds-20150902-gjd8fb.html | archive-date=4 September 2015 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>


Monis used hostages as ]s.<ref>{{cite web|last=Variyar|first=Mugdha|date=15 December 2014|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sydney-hostage-crisis-live-gunman-takes-hostages-cafe-islamic-flag-seen-window-617164|title=Sydney Hostage Crisis : 17-hr Lindt Cafe Siege Ends; 3 Dead, Including Gunman; Indian Hostages Safe|work=International Business Times|access-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215080833/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sydney-hostage-crisis-live-gunman-takes-hostages-cafe-islamic-flag-seen-window-617164|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He had chained and locked the automatic sliding glass doors of the café.<ref name=Hostages>{{cite news|title=Inside the siege: How the terror unfolded in Lindt cafe|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/inside-the-siege-how-the-terror-unfolded-in-lindt-cafe/story-fncynjr2-1227159359049|access-date=22 December 2014|work=News.com.au|date=18 December 2014|first1=Liz|last1=Burke|first2=Andrew|last2=Koubaridis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217155913/http://www.news.com.au/national/inside-the-siege-how-the-terror-unfolded-in-lindt-cafe/story-fncynjr2-1227159359049|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
According to ] radio announcer ], Haron demanded to speak to the Prime Minister live on radio, although these reports are unconfirmed.<ref name="sunshinelindt1"> ''Sunshine Coast Daily''</ref> There were also further reports that Haron stated there were four "devices" located around Sydney. However, the New South Wales Police Commissioner, ], stated that none of the alleged devices were found during investigations.<ref name="Abbott speaks to nation: We won't let them scare us">{{cite web|url=http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/breaking-hostages-taken-sydney-cafe/2484985/|title=Five hostages flee in terror from Sydney hostage drama|date=15 December 2014|work=Gympie Times|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>


Monis claimed there were four "devices" located around Sydney. Then New South Wales Police Commissioner ] said that none of the alleged devices were found during searches.<ref name=Scipione>{{cite news|last1=Ralston|first1=Nick|title=NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione's wife and daughter in Lindt cafe before siege began|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-police-commissioner-andrew-scipiones-wife-and-daughter-in-lindt-cafe-before-siege-began-20141220-12baom.html|access-date=22 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924213302/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-police-commissioner-andrew-scipiones-wife-and-daughter-in-lindt-cafe-before-siege-began-20141220-12baom.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Monis also demanded that a hostage ask all media to broadcast that "this is an attack on Australia by the Islamic State".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Begley|first1=Patrick|title=Sydney siege over: Lindt cafe gunman forces hostages to appear in videos|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-over-lindt-cafe-gunman-forces-hostages-to-appear-in-videos-20141216-127wgy.html|access-date=23 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216111201/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-over-lindt-cafe-gunman-forces-hostages-to-appear-in-videos-20141216-127wgy.html|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In addition, he demanded that an Islamic State flag be delivered to him, although the request was never fulfilled.<ref name="sunshinelindt1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/breaking-hostages-taken-sydney-cafe/2484985/|title=Cafe manager killed while wrestling gun from madman|work=Sunshine Coast Daily|date=17 December 2014|first1=Owen|last1=Jacques|first2=Kerri-Anne|last2=Mesner|first3=Laura|last3=Weyman-Jones|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405234415/http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/breaking-hostages-taken-sydney-cafe/2484985/|archive-date=5 April 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Two female hostages made contact with media outlets and relayed Haron's demands to them, but the ] requested that the demands not be published.<ref name="SMH Police clear Martin Place">{{cite news|last1=Levy|first1=Megan|last2=Begley|first2=Patrick|title=Police clear Martin Place after gunman holds hostages at Lindt Chocolat Cafe|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-clear-martin-place-after-gunman-holds-hostages-at-lindt-chocolat-cafe-20141215-127824.html|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Gunman 'with a political motivation' holds hostages in Sydney, Australia" /> When his demands were published they included meeting the ] and receiving an ISIL flag.<ref name=DailyMail2014-12-15a>

{{cite news
Hostages were ordered to hold up a ] flag, with the '']'' in white Arabic letters (an Islamic ] declaring: "There is no God but ], and ] is the messenger of God"), against the window of the café.<ref name=":2"/><ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis"/> Some news reports initially mistook it for the flag used by the ] (ISIL).<ref name="Gunman"/>
| url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2873855/Gunman-takes-hostages-cafe-Sydney.html

| title = BREAKING NEWS: Sydney siege ends with Muslim gunman dead and 'one hostage killed' after police and special forces storm cafe with guns and stun grenades
Monis demanded to speak to the Australian Prime Minister live on radio, but this demand was rejected. This was relayed by hostage Marcia Mikhael, who said that she "lost it" when told that the Prime Minister was too busy, saying, "I don't care what is doing right now...I'm sure there's nothing more important happening in Australia...than the lives of the people in this café..."<ref name=newsMikhael>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege survivor Marcia Mikhael accuses police of bungling the Lindt Cafe rescue operation|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/sydney-siege-survivor-marcia-mikhael-accuses-police-of-bungling-the-lindt-cafe-rescue-operation/story-e6frfmyi-1227212315699|date=8 February 2015|access-date=23 February 2015|work=News Corp Australia Network|first=Holly|last=Byrnes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223050209/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/sydney-siege-survivor-marcia-mikhael-accuses-police-of-bungling-the-lindt-cafe-rescue-operation/story-e6frfmyi-1227212315699|archive-date=23 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| publisher = ]

| author = Candace Sutton, Daniel Piotrowski, Emily Crane, Sarah Dean, Louise Cheer, Leesa Smith, Heather Mcnab
] said he knew Monis well and offered to help the NSWPF negotiate with him. He believed that Monis was "sick and disturbed" over his failure to gain access to his children, and said Monis could trust him to get his message out.<ref name=habib>{{cite news|title=Mamdouh Habib claims he could have stopped hostage deaths|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/sydney-siege-mamdouh-habib-claims-he-could-have-stopped-hostage-deaths-20141230-12f230.html|date=31 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|first=Rick|last=Feneley|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213150816/http://www.smh.com.au/national/sydney-siege-mamdouh-habib-claims-he-could-have-stopped-hostage-deaths-20141230-12f230.html|archive-date=13 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Lawyer Manny Conditsis had represented Monis and had also offered help because he said that Monis respected what he had to say to him.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/criminal-lawyer-manny-conditsis-left-wondering-would-my-information-have-made-a-difference-in-lindt-cafe-siege-outcome/news-story/9f42e6bf1126617b81bdacae9e536559 | title=Criminal lawyer Manny Conditsis left wondering: Would my information have made a difference in Lindt Cafe siege outcome?}}</ref> Barrister Michael Klooster who had met Monis in the cafe before the siege called the police at 2:17{{nbsp}}pm.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/martin-place-siege-officer-reassured-hostage-as-man-manis-brandished-shotgun/news-story/7e7385e85194847fae71e713b654bf60 | title=Martin Place siege: Officer reassured hostage as Man Manis brandished shotgun | access-date=20 July 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502071859/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/martin-place-siege-officer-reassured-hostage-as-man-manis-brandished-shotgun/news-story/7e7385e85194847fae71e713b654bf60 | archive-date=2 May 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Other Muslim leaders also offered to help, including the Grand Mufti of Australia, ].
| date = 15 December 2014

| page =
All such offers were rejected by the police because they had no control over what the untrained negotiators might say or do.<ref name=habib/> However, Mikhael said that after the request to speak to the Prime Minister was refused: "It was then that I knew that there was not going to be any negotiation and we were just left there. ...They were waiting for him to kill someone or shoot something so they come in. ...There was nothing proactive about that operation, nothing."<ref name=newsMikhael/>
| location =

| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141215173510/http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2873855/Gunman-takes-hostages-cafe-Sydney.html
Belinda Neil, who was a negotiator for the NSW Police, stated that in negotiations, "e want to try and talk to the hostage-taker. ...e want to find out why he's there, why is he doing this, and we don't just go into this situation hoping to resolve it in half an hour."<ref name=neil>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege police negotiation insights from former hostage negotiator|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s4150092.htm|date=16 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|work=ABC|first=Leigh|last=Sales|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502083431/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s4150092.htm|archive-date=2 May 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This approach would be consistent with the ].<ref name=vecchi>Gregory M. Vecchi 'et al.', {{cite web|url=http://negotiationconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Crisis-Hostage-Negotiation-Current-Strategies-and-Issues-in-High-Risk-Conflict-Resolution.pdf |title=Crisis (hostage) negotiation: current strategies and issues in high-risk conflict resolution |access-date=1 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114216/http://negotiationconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Crisis-Hostage-Negotiation-Current-Strategies-and-Issues-in-High-Risk-Conflict-Resolution.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}, 2003</ref> However, Mikhael stated that no such negotiation took place.<ref name=newsMikhael/> Habib said that he called both the NSWPF and the Attorney General twice during the raid, but they did not return his calls.<ref name=habib/> Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione confirmed during the siege that "we're not dealing directly with him ... we do not have direct contact with the offender."<ref name=divided/>
| archivedate = 15 December 2014

| deadurl = No
Several hostages made contact with media outlets and relayed Monis' demands to them. At the request of the ], they were not published during the siege.<ref name="Gunman"/><ref name="SMH Police clear Martin Place">{{cite news|last1=Levy|first1=Megan|last2=Begley|first2=Patrick|title=Police clear Martin Place after gunman holds hostages at Lindt Chocolat Cafe|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-clear-martin-place-after-gunman-holds-hostages-at-lindt-chocolat-cafe-20141215-127824.html|access-date=15 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215004518/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-clear-martin-place-after-gunman-holds-hostages-at-lindt-chocolat-cafe-20141215-127824.html|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The social media profiles of the hostages were also used to relay demands.<ref name=Duffy/>
| quote = Three videos were released on YouTube of three female hostages declaring the gunman's demands, which included the police bringing an ISIS flag to the cafe and insisting that he speak with Prime Minister Tony Abbott – however Daily Mail Australia decided not to air the disturbing footage which has since been taken down.

}}
At 1:43{{nbsp}}am Tori Johnson texted his family "He's increasingly agitated, walks around when he hears a noise outside with a hostage in front of him. Wants to release one person in good faith, tell police."<ref name=hs27May2016/> This was reported to the police ten minutes later.<ref>
{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-siege-commander-accused-of-botching-2005-terrorism-incident-20160525-gp3lfl.html | title=Lindt cafe siege inquest: Siege commander accused of botching 2005 terrorism incident | access-date=16 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628221553/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-siege-commander-accused-of-botching-2005-terrorism-incident-20160525-gp3lfl.html | archive-date=28 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}
</ref> </ref>


During the early stages of the siege, the Australian Government and the NSW authorities did not label the event as a terrorist attack;<ref>{{cite web|first1=David|last1=Wroe|first2=Lisa|last2=Cox|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/martin-place-siege-tony-abbott-convenes-national-security-committee-20141215-127brq.html|title=Martin Place siege: Tony Abbott convenes National Security Committee|work=The Canberra Times|date=15 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120431/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/martin-place-siege-tony-abbott-convenes-national-security-committee-20141215-127brq.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21636487-sydneys-business-district-locked-down-caf-customers-become-hostages-siege-martin-place|title=Terrorism in Australia: The siege of Martin Place|newspaper=The Economist|date=15 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306020009/http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21636487-sydneys-business-district-locked-down-caf-customers-become-hostages-siege-martin-place|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, as the siege continued, NSW Police authorised the engagement of the state's counter-terrorism task force, treating the incident as an act of terrorism.<ref name="smh-terrorist">{{cite news|last1=Ralston|first1=Nick|last2=Partridge|first2=Emma|title=Martin Place siege being treated as terrorist attack, police confirm|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-being-treated-as-terrorist-attack-police-confirm-20141215-127mh5.html|access-date=15 December 2014|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215202346/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-being-treated-as-terrorist-attack-police-confirm-20141215-127mh5.html|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Escape of hostages===
At around 3:37&nbsp;p.m., two hostages emerged from the front entrance of the building, followed by a third hostage, an employee, who ran out from a fire exit at the side of the building. Media outlets advised that the hostages were not released, but had escaped, though details were not immediately available.<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege" /><ref name="Lindt Chocolat Cafe hostage drama in Martin Place, Sydney">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-chocolat-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-20141215-1278cx.html|title=Lindt Chocolat Cafe hostage drama in Martin Place, Sydney|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> It was later confirmed by police that all three hostages escaped.<ref name="foxnews1215">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/12/15/hostage-situation-reportedly-unfolding-in-sydney-chocolate-shop/|title=Sydney siege: Police in contact with gunman as five hostages escape|work=Fox News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>


===Escape of first five hostages===
At around 4:58&nbsp;p.m., two female hostages, both employees, ran from another entrance of the building, having also escaped,<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege" /> and were met by officers with the ].<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege" />
]
At around 3:37{{nbsp}}pm, two hostages, ] and barrister Stefan Balafoutis, escaped from the front entrance of the building, followed by a third hostage, café employee Paolo Vassallo, who ran out from a fire exit at the side of the building.<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege"/><ref name=":2"/><ref name="foxnews1215">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/12/15/hostage-situation-reportedly-unfolding-in-sydney-chocolate-shop/|title=Sydney siege: Police in contact with gunman as five hostages escape|work=Fox News|access-date=15 December 2014|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215080053/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/12/15/hostage-situation-reportedly-unfolding-in-sydney-chocolate-shop/|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> At around 4:58{{nbsp}}pm, two female hostages, both employees, Jieun Bae and Elly Chen, escaped by running from another entrance of the building and were met by ] officers.<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege"/>


Monis was unaware that Jieun Bae and Elly Chen had escaped. Jarrod Morton-Hoffman made noise to cover their exit and persuaded Monis that media reports of five hostages escaping were wrong.<ref name="abc.net.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-22/sydney-siege-gunman-unaware-hostages-slipped-out-door/7265664|title=Sydney siege inquest: Dramatic footage shown of final standoff, Monis firing at hostages|work=ABC News|first=Lucy|last=Marks|date=29 March 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507185039/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-22/sydney-siege-gunman-unaware-hostages-slipped-out-door/7265664|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> After the escape, Monis threatened to kill hostages.<ref name=divided>{{cite news |first=Rick |last=Feneley |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/police-divided-over-strategy-during-lindt-cafe-siege-in-martin-place-sydney-20150111-12lykf.html |title=Police divided over strategy during Lindt cafe siege in Martin Place, Sydney |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115052848/http://www.smh.com.au/national/police-divided-over-strategy-during-lindt-cafe-siege-in-martin-place-sydney-20150111-12lykf.html |archive-date=15 January 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
===Raid and end of siege===
At 2:08&nbsp;a.m. on 16 December, between five and seven additional hostages fled from the building.<ref name="Gunman and Two Others Dead in Sydney Hostage Crisis">{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/gunman-dead-sydney-hostage-crisis-standoff-end/story?id=27600443|title=Gunman and Two Others Dead in Sydney Hostage Crisis|author=ABC News|work=ABC News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sydney hostage crisis ends as commandos storm Lindt Cafe">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/15/sydney-siege-ends-police-storm-lindt-cafe-hostages-run-out|title=Two hostages and gunman dead as Sydney cafe siege ends|author=Peter Walker|work=the Guardian|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>


The police State Technical Investigation Branch planted a ] in the café during the night. At one point, the device picked up Monis saying that he wanted to kill any escaping hostages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/mar/30/sydney-siege-hostage-describes-hail-of-gunfire-as-they-fled-lindt-cafe|title=Sydney siege hostage describes hail of gunfire as they fled Lindt cafe|first=Michael|last=Safi|work=The Guardian|date=30 March 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425011544/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/mar/30/sydney-siege-hostage-describes-hail-of-gunfire-as-they-fled-lindt-cafe|archive-date=25 April 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
At 2:14&nbsp;a.m., heavily armed ] police stormed the café following a barrage of ], after which further hostages ran from the building in two groups. The first emerged after the initial gunshots, while the second emerged after the following volley.<ref name=abc-blog /><ref name=smh-127suz>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-day-two-20141215-127suz.html|title=Lindt Cafe hostage drama in Martin Place, Sydney: day two|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/police-storm-lindt-cafe/5969262|title=Police storm Lindt cafe|work=ABC News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> Police declared the siege over soon after,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityam.com/205644/sydney-cafe-siege-hostages-flee-reports-suggest-gunman-demands-isis-flag-and-call-tony-abbott|title=Sydney siege over as officers storm Martin Place Lindt Cafe after gunman Man Haron Monis takes hostages – City A.M.|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> later confirming that Haron died in the raid.<ref name=7-tragedy />

===Breach and hostage rescue===
At 2:03{{nbsp}}am on 16 December, a "very loud bang" was heard as Monis shot towards six hostages fleeing from the building.<ref name="abc.net.au"/><ref name="Levey">{{cite news | last = Levey | first = Megan | date = 18 December 2014 | title = Sydney siege aftermath: seven minutes, two bangs, and when the waiting game became a tactical assault | work = ] | url = https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-seven-minutes-two-bangs-and-when-the-waiting-game-became-a-tactical-assault-20141218-129o5w.html | access-date = 20 December 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141219113945/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-seven-minutes-two-bangs-and-when-the-waiting-game-became-a-tactical-assault-20141218-129o5w.html | archive-date = 19 December 2014 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> At 2:11{{nbsp}}am Monis fired a shot towards the kitchen, and was heard on the police listening device reloading his shotgun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lindt-siege-should-police-have-stormed-martin-place-cafe-earlier/news-story/b8dd780c55af49c733aca3ceb94db175?nk=14370be535f661790717093f7841017d-1462886485|title=Lindt siege: Should police have stormed Martin Place cafe earlier?|first1=Janet|last1=Fife-Yeomans|first2=Matthew|last2=Benns|date=22 March 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> The hostage Fiona Ma then escaped through the front door, and two ] teams were ordered to move very slowly towards the two entrances.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/man-haron-monis-may-have-fired-a-warning-shot-before-police-stormed-lindt-cafe/story-fncynjr2-1227160199220|title=Man Haron Monis fired a shot but missed before police stormed Lindt cafe|work=news.com.au|date=18 December 2014|first1=Liz|last1=Burke|first2=Mark|last2=Morri|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031133041/http://www.news.com.au/national/man-haron-monis-may-have-fired-a-warning-shot-before-police-stormed-lindt-cafe/story-fncynjr2-1227160199220|archive-date=31 October 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

At 2:14{{nbsp}}am, four minutes after the Tactical operations teams were ordered in, Monis shot Tori Johnson in the back of the head, killing him. The execution was witnessed by TOU sniper Sierra 3-1, who reported a hostage down.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-06/sydney-siege-sniper-had-little-confidence-in-kill-shot-inquest/7574208|title=Sydney siege sniper could not see Monis to shoot him, inquest hears|newspaper=ABC News|date=6 July 2016|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707203309/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-06/sydney-siege-sniper-had-little-confidence-in-kill-shot-inquest/7574208|archive-date=7 July 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=TJKilled>{{cite news|title=Inquest begins into Sydney siege deaths|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/inquest-begins-into-sydney-siege-deaths/story-fnj3rq0y-1227200287598|access-date=29 January 2015|work=news.com.au|date=29 January 2015|first1=Andrew|last1=Koubaridis|first2=Charis|last2=Chang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129011136/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/inquest-begins-into-sydney-siege-deaths/story-fnj3rq0y-1227200287598|archive-date=29 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> TOU Operators armed with ] carbines threw eleven ]s<ref name="smh.com.au">{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-haron-monis-executed-tori-johnson-with-shot-to-the-head-inquest-hears-20150129-1310ih.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|title=Man Haron Monis executed Tori Johnson with shot to the head, inquest hears|date=29 January 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|first1=Louise|last1=Hall|first2=Paul|last2=Bibby|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127145941/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-haron-monis-executed-tori-johnson-with-shot-to-the-head-inquest-hears-20150129-1310ih.html|archive-date=27 January 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> as they stormed the café.

Monis was shot in the head. TOU Officer A – later identified as Ben Besant, whose identity was the subject of a suppression order only lifted in 2024<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reason |first=Chris |date=2024-11-29 |title=Hero Lindt Café cop wins monumental legal battle over identity |url=https://thenightly.com.au/australia/nsw/hero-police-officer-who-led-takedown-of-terrorist-man-monis-in-lindt-caf-wins-identity-battle-c-16920158 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=] |publisher=] |place=Perth |language=en |agency=]}}</ref> – stated that "I watched the (Carbine) laser ... from the centre of his chest go to his head and his head exploded and he fell". Besant fired a total of 17 rounds, and Officer B fired 5 additional rounds. Some fragments of those rounds killed hostage Katrina Dawson.<ref name="smh-127suz">{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-day-two-20141215-127suz.html|title=Lindt Cafe hostage drama in Martin Place, Sydney: day two|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=15 December 2014|first1=Rose|last1=Pwell|first2=Megan|last2=Levy|first3=Judith|last3=Ireland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215181446/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-day-two-20141215-127suz.html|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="abc-blog"/><ref name="Levey"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/barrister-katrina-dawson-was-hit-seven-times-by-police-bullet-fragments/news-story/bb0cf0ef2ec40638319c2d3578547a9c |title=Katrina's final moments of agony |newspaper=News.com.au |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710031602/http://www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/barrister-katrina-dawson-was-hit-seven-times-by-police-bullet-fragments/news-story/bb0cf0ef2ec40638319c2d3578547a9c |archive-date=10 July 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all |last1=Salna |first1=Karlis }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/not-a-fing-door-slamming-cop-wanted-to-enter-at-first-monis-shot-siege-inquest-hears-20160713-gq4o7t.html | title=Lindt cafe siege: Officer watched Man Monis' head explode, inquest hears | access-date=18 July 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716184415/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/not-a-fing-door-slamming-cop-wanted-to-enter-at-first-monis-shot-siege-inquest-hears-20160713-gq4o7t.html | archive-date=16 July 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-police-alpha-team-reveal-last-moments-leading-to-man-monis-death/news-story/49201aab741253a3be6ce8326cbb88e6 | title=Lindt Cafe siege inquest: Police 'Alpha team' reveal last moments leading to Man Monis' death | access-date=18 July 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716054441/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-police-alpha-team-reveal-last-moments-leading-to-man-monis-death/news-story/49201aab741253a3be6ce8326cbb88e6 | archive-date=16 July 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/police-storm-lindt-cafe/5969262|title=Police storm Lindt cafe|work=ABC News|date=15 December 2014|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215180329/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/police-storm-lindt-cafe/5969262|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="KDshotbycops">{{cite news|title=Investigation finds Katrina Dawson 'killed by police' during shootout at Martin Place|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/investigation-finds-katrina-dawson-killed-by-police-during-shootout-at-martin-place/story-fncynjr2-1227181007443|work=news.com.au|date=11 January 2015|access-date=12 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111232555/http://www.news.com.au/national/investigation-finds-katrina-dawson-killed-by-police-during-shootout-at-martin-place/story-fncynjr2-1227181007443|archive-date=11 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Three other hostages and TOU Officer B were injured by crossfire.

Police declared the siege over soon after, later confirming that Monis was killed in the hostage rescue.<ref name="7-tragedy"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityam.com/205644/sydney-cafe-siege-hostages-flee-reports-suggest-gunman-demands-isis-flag-and-call-tony-abbott|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141215170636/http://www.cityam.com/205644/sydney-cafe-siege-hostages-flee-reports-suggest-gunman-demands-isis-flag-and-call-tony-abbott|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 December 2014|title=Sydney siege over as officers storm Martin Place Lindt Cafe after gunman Man Haron Monis takes hostages – City A.M.|access-date=15 December 2014|first=Joe|last=Hall}}</ref> Two hostages had died, and another three were injured by police bullets. TOU Officer B, whose face was grazed by a police bullet, was discharged from hospital later in the day.<ref name=":1"/><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Australian|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/how-the-sydney-cafe-siege-unfolded/story-fn3dxiwe-1227157632204|title=How the Sydney cafe siege unfolded|date=16 December 2014|access-date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220050556/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/how-the-sydney-cafe-siege-unfolded/story-fn3dxiwe-1227157632204|archive-date=20 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Police in Sydney: 3 dead in raid to free captives held by Iranian-born gunman">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/australian-police-siege-is-over-after-raid-to-free-captive-held-by-iranian-born-gunman/2014/12/15/6e55f842-8473-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html|title=Police in Sydney: 3 dead in raid to free captives held by Iranian-born gunman|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=17 December 2014|first=Brian|last=Murphy|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217003922/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/australian-police-siege-is-over-after-raid-to-free-captive-held-by-iranian-born-gunman/2014/12/15/6e55f842-8473-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

At the inquest, Counsel assisting the coroner, Jeremy Gormley SC, said, "No shot fired by Mr Monis, other than the one that struck and killed Mr Johnson, struck anyone."<ref name=SMHInquest/> Mitchell McAlister, who was a TAG East assaulter with the 2nd Commando ] questioned the police use of ] with ] rounds. Carbine rounds could have "dangerous effects in a dense and enclosed environment."<ref name="sofrep">{{cite web|url=http://sofrep.com/39388/operators-perspective-sydney-siege-pt-4/|title=An Operator's Perspective on the Sydney Siege (Pt. 4) – SOFREP|work=SOFREP|first=Mitchell|last=McAlister|date=14 January 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301200116/https://sofrep.com/39388/operators-perspective-sydney-siege-pt-4/|archive-date=1 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was initially unclear why 22 shots were fired by police, of which 13 hit Monis. The rounds were continuously fired in the belief that the hostage taker could reach for a bomb trigger.<ref name="smh.com.au"/><ref name=mcalister>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-29/counter-terrorism-specialist-questions-sydney-siege-weapons/6053706|title=Sydney siege: Counter-terrorism specialist questions weapons used by police, says they may have contributed to death of hostage Katrina Dawson|first=Michael|last=Brissenden|date=29 January 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|work=ABC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529195200/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-29/counter-terrorism-specialist-questions-sydney-siege-weapons/6053706|archive-date=29 May 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=guardianjan29>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/jan/29/sydney-siege-coroners-inquest-rolling-report|title=Sydney siege inquest: Katrina Dawson killed by fragments of police bullets – as it happened|first=Michael|last=Safi|work=the Guardian|date=29 January 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022109/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/jan/29/sydney-siege-coroners-inquest-rolling-report|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/news/16101-inquest-reveals-barrister-katrina-dawson-killed-by-police-bullet|title=Inquest reveals barrister Katrina Dawson killed by police bullet|author=Staff Reporter|work=lawyersweekly.com.au|date=29 January 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403015629/http://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/news/16101-inquest-reveals-barrister-katrina-dawson-killed-by-police-bullet|archive-date=3 April 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Flag raids ===
At around 2:00{{nbsp}}pm on 15 December, police contacted Rebecca Kay, a member of the Muslim community, and asked her to help source an ISIS flag for Monis. Kay contacted many people in the Muslim community but ultimately the police sourced their own flag. However, the flag was never given to Monis.<ref name=kayflag>{{cite news |first=Rick |last=Feneley |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/sydney-siege-aftermath-muslims-feel-set-up-over-islamic-state-flag-request-20150111-12lyte.html |title=Sydney siege aftermath: Muslims feel 'set up' over Islamic State flag request |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=11 January 2015 |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113195457/http://www.smh.com.au/national/sydney-siege-aftermath-muslims-feel-set-up-over-islamic-state-flag-request-20150111-12lyte.html |archive-date=13 January 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The following day, NSW and Federal Police raided three homes of people who had been contacted in the attempt to source the flag. Kay assumes that her conversations had been monitored. Kay said she would help police in another crisis, but "with this incident they have not built trust at all. You don't understand...the fear that create, and how they stalk...members of our community..."<ref name=kayflag/> Lawyer Zali Burrows questioned the purpose of the police contacting Kay in the first place, stating, "Why didn't they just print ?"<ref name=kayflag/>

=== Police strategy ===
The NSW Police Force followed a "contain and negotiate" strategy to avoid any direct action unless a hostage was killed or injured.<ref name=plans/> They decided that this strategy could deliver a "peaceful negotiated outcome" because Monis had not harmed any hostages, despite having threatened to do so. Monis had not reacted violently to the escape of five hostages on two separate occasions, or due to none of his demands being met.<ref name=plans/> Further, Monis claimed to have a bomb, and "if the bomb was triggered, all of those inside the cafe and those attempting a rescue were not likely to survive".<ref name=plans/> At 8:20{{nbsp}}pm and again at 11:35{{nbsp}}pm, the head of the Tactical Operations Unit attempted to persuade the other commanders to take a "Deliberate Action" plan and storm the cafe. This plan was overruled by Task Force Pioneer commanders and Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins due to the danger to the hostages and police officers.<ref name=plans>{{cite web| url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-inquest-new-footage-reveals-six-hostages-were-shot-at-by-man-monis-as-they-escaped-lindt-cafe-20160322-gno968.html| title=Man Monis shot at six hostages as they fled Lindt cafe, Martin Place siege inquest told| date=22 March 2016| access-date=13 June 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626023914/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-inquest-new-footage-reveals-six-hostages-were-shot-at-by-man-monis-as-they-escaped-lindt-cafe-20160322-gno968.html| archive-date=26 June 2016| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
TOU snipers could not fire due to "the narrow windows, the moving around of Monis, the risk to hostages if there was a missed shot, (and) the position of the snipers behind glass".<ref>
{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-inquest-snipers-capabilities-greatly-diminished-during-lindt-cafe-siege-20160621-gpo8qz.html | title=Sydney siege inquest: Snipers' capabilities 'greatly diminished' during Lindt cafe siege | access-date=29 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624044453/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-inquest-snipers-capabilities-greatly-diminished-during-lindt-cafe-siege-20160621-gpo8qz.html | archive-date=24 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}
</ref>

At 11{{nbsp}}am, Operational Commander Mick Fuller approved negotiations for the release of half of the 18 hostages in return for Monis being allowed to talk on ABC radio. However, the Negotiation Commander decided not to do so because it conflicted with a standing policy to not negotiate with terrorists.<ref name=blocked>{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-06/sydney-siege-inquest-hostage-exchange-message-police/7480070 | title=Sydney siege inquest : Hostage exchange agreement blocked by negotiators | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613233114/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-06/sydney-siege-inquest-hostage-exchange-message-police/7480070 | archive-date=13 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The first negotiator was not told that the Grand Mufti of Australia and a barrister who represented Monis had offered to help negotiate with Monis.<ref>{{cite news | title=Sydney Lindt Cafe siege inquest must be transparent | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/sydney-lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-must-be-transparent/news-story/9e5bbc176213c34e32bcd79bc84ffdfb | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209133722/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/sydney-lindt-cafe-siege-inquest-must-be-transparent/news-story/9e5bbc176213c34e32bcd79bc84ffdfb | archive-date=9 December 2018 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> He only found out about Monis's demand for the ABC to broadcast that Australia was under attack after a Facebook post from one of the hostages was read out on radio 2GB.<ref name=gard31May16>{{cite news | title=Sydney siege inquest: primary negotiator 'let down' by police command | url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/31/sydney-siege-inquest-primary-negotiator-let-down-by-police-command | access-date=10 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208064841/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/31/sydney-siege-inquest-primary-negotiator-let-down-by-police-command | archive-date=8 February 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Monis had also demanded that the Christmas lights be turned off. The first negotiator thought that doing this would have provided an opportunity to bargain with Monis, but did not hear back from commanders as to whether it was possible so "discarded" the option.<ref name=gard31May16/>

He was then relieved by a second negotiator, but did not tell him about the demand that the Christmas lights be turned off. Hostage Selina Win Pe told the second negotiator Monis wanted to know why it hadn't happened.<ref name=news1June2016>{{cite news | title=Sydney siege inquest: Hostage Stefan Balafoutis consumed by guilt after fleeing Lindt cafe | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/sydney-siege-inquest-hostage-stefan-balafoutis-consumed-by-guilt-after-fleeing-lindt-cafe/news-story/7c4b4d85fcedd89d7e8ad3cf956e8dd0 | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614002454/http://www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/sydney-siege-inquest-hostage-stefan-balafoutis-consumed-by-guilt-after-fleeing-lindt-cafe/news-story/7c4b4d85fcedd89d7e8ad3cf956e8dd0 | archive-date=14 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> It was later revealed an ] team had assembled to switch off the lights, but was sent home.<ref name=timeline>{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/lindt-inquest-how-the-siege-unfolded/news-story/abd2e4fcf117bb76f3ae434831423a0f | title=Lindt inquest: How the siege unfolded | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505193102/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/lindt-inquest-how-the-siege-unfolded/news-story/abd2e4fcf117bb76f3ae434831423a0f | archive-date=5 May 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

A third negotiator later said that he did not have the Christmas lights turned off because he had to have reassurance that the hostage taker would not carry out his threat to kill Win Pe. He said there was some "step-by-step" process to have the hostages released (after nineteen hours).<ref name=news2june16>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/sydney-siege-inquest-any-police-failings-need-to-be-dealt/news-story/40b546e8a24b37ea57ad8495b01d0255 | title=Sydney siege inquest: Any 'police failings need to be dealt' | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614002435/http://www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/sydney-siege-inquest-any-police-failings-need-to-be-dealt/news-story/40b546e8a24b37ea57ad8495b01d0255 | archive-date=14 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Jenkins says he would have liked the Christmas lights turned off quickly, and was unaware that this had been found to be possible.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/sydney-siege-inquest-lindt-cafe-manager-tori-johnsons-final-text-message/news-story/b0bbe4031c75df64cd8f271044dc40a0 | title=Sydney siege inquest: Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson's final text message}}</ref> Jenkins was also not told about the Johnson text near the end of the siege that Monis wanted to release a hostage.<ref name=hs27May2016/>

The Negotiation Unit leader did not think Monis would hurt anyone because Monis had told people inside the cafe that everyone would go home once Prime Minister Tony Abbott called. The team leader later conceded that Abbott was never going to call.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-inquest-gunmans-lights-off-demand-shouldve-been-used-by-police-20160526-gp4fvx.html | title=Lindt cafe inquest: gunman's lights off demand should've been used by police | access-date=15 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629133037/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-inquest-gunmans-lights-off-demand-shouldve-been-used-by-police-20160526-gp4fvx.html | archive-date=29 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> An unnamed civilian Forensic Psychologist was the consultant for NSW Police. The psychiatrist gave forensic advice that Monis was probably undertaking a grandiose act to be recognised as a figure of great infamy rather than wishing to hurt anyone. He doubted that Monis actually represented ISIS because he did not have the correct flag, nor that his actions were politically motivated.<ref name=psychos>{{cite web | url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/lindt-siege-inquest-psychiatrist-advising-police-believed-man-monis-was-seeking-great-infamy/news-story/7d0c8ae4c24e08854a6873a355620665 | title=Lindt siege inquest: Psychiatrist advising police believed Man Monis was seeking 'great infamy'}}</ref> The psychiatrist warned that "a wounded narcissist is a dangerous specimen" as none of Monis's demands were met.<ref name=psychos2>{{cite web | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/lindt-killer-a-narcissist-not-lone-wolf-says-psychiatrist/news-story/751af1deae0a18ceed433c5a38c91f63| title=Lindt killer a narcissist, not lone wolf, says psychiatrist}}</ref>

=== Timeline of events ===
<ref name=hs27May2016>{{cite news | title=Sydney siege inquest: Shocking reason calls from hostages weren't answered | url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/sydney-siege-inquest-shocking-reason-calls-from-hostages-werent-answered/news-story/47b8b35e4fc6a79fbcf2bed3c053ce2a | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528090256/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/sydney-siege-inquest-shocking-reason-calls-from-hostages-werent-answered/news-story/47b8b35e4fc6a79fbcf2bed3c053ce2a | archive-date=28 May 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="blocked"/><ref name="timeline"/><ref name=klooster>{{cite news | title=Sydney siege inquest: Barrister recounts close call with Man Haron Monis at cafe on day of siege | url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-inquest-barrister-recounts-close-call-with-man-haron-monis-at-cafe-on-day-of-siege-20160323-gnp7sj.html | access-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529033851/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-inquest-barrister-recounts-close-call-with-man-haron-monis-at-cafe-on-day-of-siege-20160323-gnp7sj.html | archive-date=29 May 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
| 8:33{{nbsp}}am
| Monis enters the cafe.
|-
| 9:44{{nbsp}}am
| Monis draws a shotgun, orders doors locked.
|-
| 11:00{{nbsp}}am
| Operational Commander Mick Fuller approves negotiations for the release of half of the 18 hostages in return for Monis being allowed to talk on ABC radio. However, the negotiation commander decided not to do so because it conflicted with a standing policy not to negotiate with terrorists.
|-
| 3:37{{nbsp}}pm
| Three hostages escape.
|-
| 4:58{{nbsp}}pm
| Two more hostages escape.
|-
| 5:00{{nbsp}}pm
| Negotiators call Monis, answered by hostage Mikhael, indicate they knew Monis' identity. Monis did not like being referred to as ''Sheik Haron''.
|-
| 5:55{{nbsp}}pm
| Monis frustrated his message not getting out, hostages suggest uploading to Facebook and YouTube.
|-
| 8:38{{nbsp}}pm
| Mikhael asked for Christmas lighting to be turned off.
|-
| 10:30{{nbsp}}pm
| Ausgrid team assemble to switch off Christmas lights, but sent home.
|-
| 10:30{{nbsp}}pm
| Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins and a "forward commander" hold a teleconference saying they will continue to "contain and (in theory) negotiate".
|-
| 12:30{{nbsp}}am
| Four calls from hostage Win Pe to negotiators go unanswered. She calls 000 and says she will be shot if the Christmas lights are not turned off.
|-
| 1:43{{nbsp}}am
| Johnson texts family that Monis is becoming increasingly agitated and wants to release one hostage in good faith.
|-
| 2:03{{nbsp}}am
| Monis moves hostages around the cafe, six hostages take the opportunity to flee. Monis fires first shot.
|-
| 2:13{{nbsp}}am
| Monis executes hostage Johnson. Fiona Ma escapes.
|-
| 2:13{{nbsp}}am
| Tactical Operations Unit breach the cafe. TOU neutralise Monis. Hitting Dawson. Crossfire wounding three other hostages and a TOU Operator.
|}


==Hostages== ==Hostages==
Authorities did not release an estimate of the number of hostages inside the café during the siege. After the siege, a total of 18 hostages was confirmed—eight staff and ten customers of the café including lawyers and Westpac employees with offices close by.<ref name=":10">{{cite news|last1=Dumas|first1=Daisy|title=Sydney siege: How the hostage drama played out|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-how-the-hostage-drama-played-out-20141220-12b1km.html|access-date=27 December 2014|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224182707/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-how-the-hostage-drama-played-out-20141220-12b1km.html|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Initial estimates varied, with some significantly overestimating the number.<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege"/>
Initial estimates indicated that there could be as few as 13 or as many as 50 people inside the café.<ref name="LIVE STREAM: Gunman forcing hostages to stand against cafe windows in Sydney siege" /><ref>{{cite news|title="Abbott speaks to nation: We won't let them scare us"|url=http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/breaking-hostages-taken-sydney-cafe/2484985/|work=The Gympie Times|date=15 December 2014}}</ref> Authorities did not release an estimate of the number of hostages inside the café during the siege. After the siege, a total of 17 hostages were confirmed.<ref name="Sydney Hostage Crisis Over After Police Storm Cafe">{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/15/sydney-hostage-crisis_n_6327220.html|title=Sydney Hostage Crisis Over After Police Storm Cafe|work=The Huffington Post|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>

Tori Johnson, the 34-year-old manager of the café, died after being shot in the head by Monis.<ref name=Visentin2>{{cite news|last1=Visentin|first1=Lisa|title=Sydney siege: Tori Johnson's act of kindness left its mark on Wollongong family|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-tori-johnsons-act-of-kindness-left-its-mark-on-wollongong-family-20141216-1288hc.html|date=16 December 2014|access-date=21 December 2014|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909113205/http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-tori-johnsons-act-of-kindness-left-its-mark-on-wollongong-family-20141216-1288hc.html|archive-date=9 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Whitbourn>{{cite news|last1=Whitbourn|first1=Michaela|title=Sydney siege ends: Barrister Katrina Dawson confirmed as 38-year-old woman killed in Martin Place|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-ends-barrister-katrina-dawson-confirmed-as-38yearold-woman-killed-in-martin-place-20141216-127ww8.html|date=16 December 2014|access-date=21 December 2014|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226091703/http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-ends-barrister-katrina-dawson-confirmed-as-38yearold-woman-killed-in-martin-place-20141216-127ww8.html|archive-date=26 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Katrina Dawson, a 38-year-old ], was killed by crossfire when she was hit by seven police bullet fragments. Dawson was lying behind a chair that was hit by 10 bullets.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-29/sydney-siege-reconstruction-katrina-dawson-lying-near-monis/7555504 | title=Sydney siege inquest: Katrina Dawson was lying behind Monis, reconstruction shows | access-date=30 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629222430/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-29/sydney-siege-reconstruction-katrina-dawson-lying-near-monis/7555504 | archive-date=29 June 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>


Three hostages and TOU Officer B were wounded by police crossfire during the raid. The three hostages were Marcia Mikhael, who was shot in the leg; Robyn Hope, a 75-year-old woman who was shot in the shoulder; and Louisa Hope, her 52-year-old daughter, who was shot in the foot.<ref name="smh-127suz"/>
On 16 December, one hostage, 34-year-old Tori Johnson, the manager of the café, who tried to wrestle the gun from the killer was shot to death, and 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson died of a heart attack on transport to hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.9news.com.au/National/2014/12/15/10/00/Major-police-operation-in-Sydneys-Martin-Place|title=Hundreds lay floral tributes to Sydney siege victims|work=news|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref> Three others were wounded during the raid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lindt Cafe hostage drama in Martin Place, Sydney|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-hostage-drama-in-martin-place-sydney-day-two-20141216-127suz.html|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=smh.com.au|date=16 December 2014}}</ref> One of the wounded hostages, a woman in her forties, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was treated at the ].<ref name="Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sydney-hostages-police-raid-downtown-cafe/|title=Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid|date=15 December 2014|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> Another hostage who initially escaped the scene was hospitalised for a pre-existing condition<ref>{{cite news|title=Press conference with NSW Police Chief Commissioner Scipione|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sydney-hostages-police-raid-downtown-cafe/|title=Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid|date=15 December 2014|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> and was in satisfactory condition.<ref name="Gunman 'with a political motivation' holds hostages in Sydney, Australia" />
All three were in a stable condition after treatment.<ref name=":1"/> Paolo Vassallo, one of the five hostages who initially escaped the scene, was hospitalised for a pre-existing condition.<ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sydney-hostages-police-raid-downtown-cafe/|title=Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid|date=15 December 2014|access-date=15 December 2014|work=CBS News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215214313/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sydney-hostages-police-raid-downtown-cafe/|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The other hostages were identified as ], Stefan Balafoutis, Elly Chen, Jieun Bae, Harriette Denny, Viswakanth Ankireddy, Joel Herat, Fiona Ma, Jarrod Hoffman, Puspendu Ghosh, Selina Win Pe, and Julie Taylor.<ref name="Worthington">{{cite web|last1=Worthington|first1=Elise|title=Sydney siege survivors: Who were the hostages?|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/sydney-siege-survivors-hostages-martin-place/5971188|publisher=ABC News|access-date=20 December 2014|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219202632/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/sydney-siege-survivors-hostages-martin-place/5971188|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


Memorial services for Johnson and Dawson were held on 23 December: Johnson's in the morning at St Stephen's Uniting Church, Sydney, and Dawson's in the afternoon in the ].<ref name=Torimem>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege: Sunflowers and sunshine for Tori Johnson funeral|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-sunflowers-and-sunshine-for-tori-johnson-funeral-20141223-12cwc2.html|access-date=23 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223103125/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-sunflowers-and-sunshine-for-tori-johnson-funeral-20141223-12cwc2.html|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Whitbourn2>{{cite news|last1=Whitbourn|first1=Michaela|title=Sydney siege: memorial service for Katrina Dawson|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-memorial-service-for-katrina-dawson-20141223-12cnqv.html|access-date=23 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223080126/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-memorial-service-for-katrina-dawson-20141223-12cnqv.html|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=SBSservices>{{cite news|title=Siege victims remembered at private services |url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/fragment/siege-victims-remembered-private-services |access-date=24 December 2014 |publisher=SBS News |date=23 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224053449/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/fragment/siege-victims-remembered-private-services |archive-date=24 December 2014 }}</ref> Interviews with some of the hostages were later recorded for television and broadcast,<ref name=Visentin3>{{cite news|last1=Visentin|first1=Lisa|title=Sydney siege victims reveal details of harrowing ordeal|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/sydney-siege-victims-reveal-details-of-harrowing-ordeal-20150208-1397je.html|access-date=12 February 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211021604/http://www.smh.com.au/national/sydney-siege-victims-reveal-details-of-harrowing-ordeal-20150208-1397je.html|archive-date=11 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> amid some controversy.<ref name=Hasham15.01.22>{{cite news|last1=Hasham|first1=Nicole|title=Sydney siege aftermath: stop paid interviews going to air, says former coroner|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-stop-paid-interviews-going-to-air-says-former-coroner-20150121-12u3qy.html|access-date=12 February 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124031154/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-stop-paid-interviews-going-to-air-says-former-coroner-20150121-12u3qy.html|archive-date=24 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Sier>{{cite news|last1=Sier|first1=Jessica|title=Gunman told Sydney siege survivor she had 15 minutes to live|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/gunman-told-sydney-siege-survivor-she-had-15-minutes-to-live-20150122-12w9uw.html|access-date=12 February 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210175105/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/gunman-told-sydney-siege-survivor-she-had-15-minutes-to-live-20150122-12w9uw.html|archive-date=10 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Han|first1=Misa|title=Martin Place hostage Marcia Mikhael records exclusive interview with Channel Seven's Melissa Doyle|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/martin-place-hostage-marcia-mikhael-records-exclusive-interview-with-channel-sevens-melissa-doyle-20150115-12oeiq.html|access-date=15 January 2015|work=theage.com.au|date=15 January 2015|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119034828/http://www.theage.com.au/national/martin-place-hostage-marcia-mikhael-records-exclusive-interview-with-channel-sevens-melissa-doyle-20150115-12oeiq.html|archive-date=19 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
NSW Police released a statement on the condition of the injured victims. All are stable, and one has been discharged from hospital.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Martin Place siege – victim update|url=http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/media_release_archive?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGNDMxNTUuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D|publisher=]|location=]|date=16 December 2014|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref>


=={{Anchor|Effects}}Evacuations and closures== =={{Anchor|Effects}}Evacuations and closures==
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]
]
After the siege began, people found above the café were evacuated by ladder.<ref></ref> The ] was evacuated after a suspicious package was found; however, reports were unconfirmed by police.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1391970/sydney-siege-up-to-20-hostages-held-reports|title=Sydney Siege: Up To 20 Hostages Held – Reports|work=Sky News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/sydney-opera-house-evacuated-after-reports-suspicious-package-6206406|title = Sydney Opera House evacuated after reports of a suspicious package|date = 15 December 2014|accessdate = 15 December 2014|website = |publisher = TVNZ|last = |first = }}</ref> The US Consulate General in Sydney, located in Martin Place, was also evacuated.<ref>{{cite news|title=US Consulate in Sydney near hostage cafe crisis evacuated, security warning issued|url=http://www.stasiareport.com/news/asia/australianew-zealand/story/us-consulate-sydney-near-hostage-cafe-crisis-evacuated-security|accessdate=14 December 2014|work=The Straits Times|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings Ltd|date=15 December 2014}}</ref> After the siege began, a staged exclusion zone was established with thousands of people evacuated from nearby buildings. Including the floors above the café.<ref name="excmap">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/sydney-siege-map/5967590|title=Map: Location of Sydney siege|work=ABC News|date=16 December 2014|access-date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219184701/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/sydney-siege-map/5967590|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Royes|first1=Luke|date=15 December 2014|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137067049|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215060214/http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137067049|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The ] was evacuated after a suspicious package was found; however, reports were unconfirmed by police.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1391970/sydney-siege-up-to-20-hostages-held-reports|title=Sydney Siege: Up To 20 Hostages Held – Reports|work=Sky News|access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/sydney-opera-house-evacuated-after-reports-suspicious-package-6206406|title = Sydney Opera House evacuated after reports of a suspicious package|date = 15 December 2014|access-date = 15 December 2014|publisher = TVNZ|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141215210819/http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/sydney-opera-house-evacuated-after-reports-suspicious-package-6206406|archive-date = 15 December 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The US Consulate General in Sydney, located in Martin Place, was evacuated.<ref>{{cite news|title=US Consulate in Sydney near hostage cafe crisis evacuated, security warning issued|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-consulate-near-hostage-cafe-evacuated-security-warning-013820612.html?ref=gs|access-date=14 December 2014|work=Yahoo|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531035206/https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-consulate-near-hostage-cafe-evacuated-security-warning-013820612.html?ref=gs|archive-date=31 May 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Some Sydney schools were put in "white level lockout" due to the hostage situation, which meant that no school group was permitted to leave the school grounds.<ref name=":2"/>


Police advised people in the area bounded by ], ], ], and ], bordering Martin Place, to remain indoors and away from windows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/nswpolice/status/544303006460551168/photo/1|title=NSW Police on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> ], ], and ] closed their CBD branches for the day.<ref name=abc-blog /> The ] was also closed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/statelibrarynsw/status/544286317698248704|title=State Library of NSW on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> Numerous other buildings, including ] stores, executive offices for the ], criminal courts for the ], the ], and "several city legal chambers" were evacuated,<ref></ref> as were the facilities of the ], situated directly across from the café, thus forcing ] which was on air at the time off air<ref name="7lockdown">{{Cite news|url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/seven-evacuates-newsroom-near-cafe-siege/story-fn3dxiwe-1227156337550?nk=c384aa539f9733e57b7ea166dbe4d3aa|title = Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis|last = |first = |date = 15 December 2014|work = The Australian|accessdate = 15 December 2014|newspaper = }}</ref> Police advised people in the area bounded by ], ], ], and ] streets, bordering Martin Place, to remain indoors and away from windows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/nswpolice/status/544303006460551168/photo/1|title=NSW Police on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129020245/https://twitter.com/nswpolice/status/544303006460551168/photo/1|archive-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ], ], and ] closed their CBD branches for the day.<ref name="abc-blog"/> The ] was also closed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/statelibrarynsw/status/544286317698248704|title=State Library of NSW on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129020437/https://twitter.com/statelibrarynsw/status/544286317698248704|archive-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Numerous other buildings, including ] stores, executive offices for the ], criminal courts for the ], the ], and "several city legal chambers" were evacuated, as were the facilities of the ], situated directly across from the café, forcing '']'' to suspend transmission. Police established an emergency centre in nearby ] in response to the unfolding situation with emergency services sent to the staging post to respond to any immediate threats. Evacuees were relocated to the area as a safety precaution.<ref name="Seven in 'lockdown' due to hostage crisis"/><ref name="SMH Police clear Martin Place"/>


Trains did not stop at ] during the incident. ] advised people to stay away from the CBD. Road closures prevented southbound access to the ], ], and Harbour Street, and northbound access to the Cahill Expressway, and all traffic was diverted to the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/sydney-siege-leads-to-cbd-transport-closures/5967700|title=Sydney siege: Martin Place Lindt cafe hostage situation leads to road closures and transport diversions|work=ABC News|date=15 December 2014|access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Thomsen|first1=Simon|title=Sydney Siege: Here's What's Happening To The City As A Result|url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/sydney-siege-update-heres-whats-happening-to-the-city-as-a-result-2014-12|website=]|date=15 December 2014|publisher=BI Intelligence|access-date=15 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215161815/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/sydney-siege-update-heres-whats-happening-to-the-city-as-a-result-2014-12|archive-date=15 December 2014}}</ref> On the morning of 16 December, road diversions remained in place and Martin Place train station remained closed.<ref name=":1"/> In the evening of 16 December, Elizabeth Street, Macquarie Street and Hunter Street were opened to traffic.<ref name=":1"/>
Some Sydney schools were put in "white level lockout" due to the hostage crisis, which meant that no school group was permitted to leave the school grounds.<ref name=smhlindt1/>


] fares for travel in Sydney surged during the event under the company's ] system, which led to criticism. Uber subsequently refunded excessive fares and provided free rides out of the CBD.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Business Review Weekly|url=http://www.afr.com/it-pro/sydneysiege-uber-offered-free-rides-after-surge-pricing-stuffup-20141215-jyajp|title=#SydneySiege: Uber offered free rides after surge pricing stuff-up|first=Caitlin|last=Fitzsimmons|date=16 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604045830/http://www.afr.com/it-pro/sydneysiege-uber-offered-free-rides-after-surge-pricing-stuffup-20141215-jyajp|archive-date=4 June 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Trains did not stop at ] during the hostage situation. ] advised people to stay away from the CBD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transportnsw.info/en/transport-status/alerts-detail.page?MessageNum=2011749&type=train|title=Transport status alert - transportnsw.info|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> Road closures prevented southbound access to the ], ], and Harbour Street, and northbound access to the Cahill Expressway, and all traffic was diverted to the ]. On the morning of 16 December, road diversions remained in place and Martin Place train station remained closed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGNDMxNDkuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D|title=Latest Media Releases|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>

] fares for travel in Sydney during the crisis increased dramatically under the company's "surge pricing" policy - ''pricing during periods of high demand'', which led to online backlash against the company. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2874062/Uber-forced-dramatically-lifting-prices-middle-Sydney-hostage-crisis-encourage-drivers-come-online.html|title='What a shameful disgrace': Ridesharing app Uber forced to back down after outraged commuters found minimum fare had risen to $100 in middle of Sydney hostage crisis|publisher=]|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>

Trains did not stop at ] during the hostage situation. ] advised people to stay away from the CBD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transportnsw.info/en/transport-status/alerts-detail.page?MessageNum=2011749&type=train|title=Transport status alert - transportnsw.info|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>


]
==Perpetrator== ==Perpetrator==
{{Main|Man Haron Monis}}Iranian-born Monis was identified as the hostage-taker and named early on the morning of 16 December.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11294514/Sydney-siege-gunman-named-as-Man-Haron-Monis.html|title=Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis|first=Jonathan|last=Pearlman|date=15 December 2014|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215180433/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11294514/Sydney-siege-gunman-named-as-Man-Haron-Monis.html|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
{{Main|Man Haron Monis}}
Man Haron Monis, born in ], and also known as Mohammad Hassan Manteghi,<ref name="Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11294514/Sydney-siege-gunman-named-as-Man-Haron-Monis.html|title=Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis|author=Jonathan Pearlman in Sydney|date=15 December 2014|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> was identified as the perpetrator. Following the detention of his wife and children by Iranian authorities, he sought and was granted political asylum in Australia in 1996.<ref name="Profile: Man Haron Monis">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30484419|title=BBC News – Profile: Man Haron Monis|work=BBC News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Police Name Sydney Hostage-Taker as 'Radical Cleric' Man Haron Monis"></ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.abc.net.au/rn/religionreport/stories/2001/240626.htm
|title=New Cardinals for Rome, George Bush, Muslims in Australia
|work=The Religion Report
|publisher=Radio National
|date=31 January 2001
|accessdate=5 April 2013
}}</ref> He was born to a ] family, but later in life converted to ]. He was a self-proclaimed ], not recognised as such in the Islamic community.<ref name=age-Monis>{{cite news|last1=Ralston|first1=Nick|title=Martin Place, Sydney siege gunman identified as Man Haron Monis|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/martin-place-sydney-siege-gunman-identified-as-man-haron-monis-20141215-127sxt.html|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=]}}</ref><ref name=abc-Monis>{{cite news|last1=Knowles|first1=Lorna|title=Sydney siege: Man behind siege named as Iranian cleric Man Haron Monis|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/cleric/5969246|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=16 December 2014}}</ref> He was marginalised by ] religious authorities and mosques, both Shia and Sunni, for his extremist views and problematic personal and criminal history. It appears he came to espouse an ] on his own, and police and intelligence agencies have not identified any connections between Haron and international ].<ref name="Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sydney-hostages-police-raid-downtown-cafe/|title=Sydney hostage crisis ends; gunman dead after raid|date=15 December 2014|publisher=|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>


In September 2009, Monis was convicted for criminal use of the postal service to "menace, harass or cause offence", for a campaign protesting the presence of Australian troops in ], by writing letters to the families of soldiers killed there, in which he called the soldiers murderers.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/06/sheik-says-letters-were-flowers-advice | title=Sheik says letters were flowers of advice | publisher=Special Broadcasting Service | work=SBS News | date=6 September 2013 | access-date=8 February 2014 | author=Staff | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223015915/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/06/sheik-says-letters-were-flowers-advice | archive-date=23 February 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/casenote-monis-v-queen-2013-hca-4-1|title=Casenote: Monis v The Queen HCA 4|publisher=Australian Human Rights Commission|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216013232/https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/casenote-monis-v-queen-2013-hca-4-1|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 12 December, three days before the siege, Monis lost his ] against his conviction and was sentenced to 300 hours of community service.<ref name=Feneley3>{{cite news|last1=Feneley|first1=Rick|title=Sydney siege: Man Haron Monis, 'humanitarian' and terrorist|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-man-haron-monis-humanitarian-and-terrorist-20141219-12ajn5.html|access-date=22 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221045528/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-man-haron-monis-humanitarian-and-terrorist-20141219-12ajn5.html|archive-date=21 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Monis had been charged with ] relating to the death of his former wife who was found stabbed eighteen times, and set alight, on 21 April 2013 at a unit block in ]. However, on 12 December 2013, Magistrate William Pierce said "It is a weak case" and granted Monis bail.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/murder-case-against-man-haron-monis-and-partner-weak-magistrate/story-e6frg6nf-1226781538379 |title= Murder case against Man Haron Monis and partner weak: magistrate |publisher= News Limited |work= The Australian |date= 12 December 2013 |agency= AAP |access-date= 8 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131212112554/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/murder-case-against-man-haron-monis-and-partner-weak-magistrate/story-e6frg6nf-1226781538379 |archive-date= 12 December 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> In November 2016, Amirah Droudis was found guilty, in a judge-only trial, of the murder of Monis's ex-wife and sentenced to 44 years' jail.<ref name="abc-droudis-guilty">{{cite news |last1=MacMillan |first1=Jade |title=Sydney siege gunman's girlfriend found guilty of murder |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-03/amirah-droudis-guilty-murder-man-haron-monis-wife-2013/7991620 |access-date=19 November 2016 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=3 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119183915/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-03/amirah-droudis-guilty-murder-man-haron-monis-wife-2013/7991620 |archive-date=19 November 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Haron had an extensive record of prosecutions and criminal convictions, including ] before and after the fact (relating to the murder of his former wife), and other charges of ],<ref>{{cite news|author=ABC News|date=14 April 2014|title='Spiritual healer' refused bail over alleged 2002 sexual assaults at Wentworthville in Sydney's west|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-14/spiritual-healer-arrested-for-sexual-assault/5388332|work=ABC News|publisher=abc.net.au|accessdate=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sydney Hostage Siege Ends With Gunman and 2 Captives Dead as Police Storm Cafe"></ref> aggravated indecent assault,<ref name="Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11294514/Sydney-siege-gunman-named-as-Man-Haron-Monis.html|title=Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis|author=Jonathan Pearlman in Sydney|date=15 December 2014|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sydney Hostage Siege Ends With Gunman and 2 Captives Dead as Police Storm Cafe"></ref> ], and criminal use of the postal service to "menace, harass or cause offence".<ref name="Before the Sydney siege, alleged gunman Man Haron Monis faced sexual assault, murder conspiracy charges">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2014/12/15/before-he-took-hostages-at-a-sydney-cafe-man-haron-monis-had-been-tied-to-alleged-murder-sexual-assaults-and-offensive-letters/|title=Before the Sydney siege, alleged gunman Man Haron Monis faced sexual assault, murder conspiracy charges|work=Washington Post|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>


On 12 December 2014, only three days before the hostage crisis, his ] was rejected by the ]<ref name="Sydney Hostage Crisis Over After Police Storm Cafe">{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/15/sydney-hostage-crisis_n_6327220.html|title=Sydney Hostage Crisis Over After Police Storm Cafe|work=The Huffington Post|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> in relation to his conviction for the criminal use of a carriage service to "menace, harass or cause offence". That conviction related to his protest against the presence of Australian troops in ], which he expressed by sending letters to the families of soldiers killed there in which he called the soldiers murderers<ref>{{cite news|author=AAP|date=6 September 2013|title=Sheik says letters were flowers of advice|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/06/sheik-says-letters-were-flowers-advice|work=SBS News|publisher=sbs.com.au|accessdate=8 February 2014}}</ref> and urged the soldiers' families to petition the government to remove its troops from Afghanistan. One of the letters compared a dead soldier to a pig and called his body "contaminated".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/casenote-monis-v-queen-2013-hca-4-1|title=Casenote: Monis v The Queen HCA 4|work=humanrights.gov.au|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> He also sent similar letters to the families of British soldiers and the mother<ref name="Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11294514/Sydney-siege-gunman-named-as-Man-Haron-Monis.html|title=Sydney siege gunman named as Man Haron Monis|author=Jonathan Pearlman in Sydney|date=15 December 2014|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> of a government official killed by a bombing in ], Indonesia. Haron was arrested on charges of "using a postal or similar service to menace, harass or cause offence", to which he pleaded guilty in 2013. He was reportedly sentenced to probation and 300 hours of community service. He was also banned from using the ] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hoerr|first=Karl|date=22 November 2013|title='Hate mail' suspect protests against 'misinterpretation'|url=http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2008/s2739013.htm|work=Lateline|publisher=abc.net.au|accessdate=8 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sydney Hostage Siege Ends With Gunman and 2 Captives Dead as Police Storm Cafe"></ref><ref name="Before the Sydney siege, alleged gunman Man Haron Monis faced sexual assault, murder conspiracy charges">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2014/12/15/before-he-took-hostages-at-a-sydney-cafe-man-haron-monis-had-been-tied-to-alleged-murder-sexual-assaults-and-offensive-letters/|title=Before the Sydney siege, alleged gunman Man Haron Monis faced sexual assault, murder conspiracy charges|work=Washington Post|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> According to '']'', this conviction had consumed him for several years, and the hostage incident followed after he snapped at the unsuccessful, last-ditch attempt in the High Court to have that conviction overturned.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-was-on-bail-for-40-sexual-assault-charges-and-accessory-to-murder-20141215-127u1e.html|title=Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis was on bail for 40 sexual assault charges and accessory to murder|newspaper=The Age}}</ref> Monis also had numerous charges of ],<ref>{{cite news|author=ABC News|date=14 April 2014|title='Spiritual healer' refused bail over alleged 2002 sexual assaults at Wentworthville in Sydney's west|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-14/spiritual-healer-arrested-for-sexual-assault/5388332|work=ABC News|publisher=abc.net.au|access-date=14 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415044553/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-14/spiritual-healer-arrested-for-sexual-assault/5388332|archive-date=15 April 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/world/asia/sydney-australia-hostages.html|title=Sydney Hostage Siege Ends With Gunman and 2 Captives Dead as Police Storm Cafe|date=16 December 2014|work=The New York Times|first=Michelle|last=Innis|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305063254/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/world/asia/sydney-australia-hostages.html|archive-date=5 March 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> aggravated indecent assault,<ref name=":6"/><ref name=":9"/> and ].<ref name="Before the Sydney siege, alleged gunman Man Haron Monis faced sexual assault, murder conspiracy charges">{{cite news|last=Holley|first=Peter|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2014/12/15/before-he-took-hostages-at-a-sydney-cafe-man-haron-monis-had-been-tied-to-alleged-murder-sexual-assaults-and-offensive-letters/|title=Before the Sydney siege, alleged gunman Man Haron Monis faced sexual assault, murder conspiracy charges|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215231706/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2014/12/15/before-he-took-hostages-at-a-sydney-cafe-man-haron-monis-had-been-tied-to-alleged-murder-sexual-assaults-and-offensive-letters/|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 14 April 2014, Monis was charged with three sexual assault offences against a woman and remanded in custody. He was granted bail on 26 May, six days after the ] was rewritten based on recommendations by the ].<ref name=bail>{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Louise|first2=Nicole|last2=Hasham|date=16 December 2014|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-monis-granted-bail-six-days-after-controversial-bail-laws-brought-in-20141216-127zoe.html|title=Man Monis granted bail six days after controversial bail laws brought in|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref> On 10 October, he was charged with another 40 sexual assault offences against six more women, and his bail was continued.<ref name="Hall, Bibby"/>


Jeremy Gormly SC, counsel assisting the inquest, summarised Monis as "a complex, disturbed individual desperate for recognition and status but completely lacking the skills or achievements to bring that dream to life". Gormly summarised that "Monis could be plausible, courteous and controlled, but he was also almost entirely consumed in his own self-importance. ... By 2014, he owned no property, was in debt, and had developed no employment skills. His attempts to develop a personal, religious following ... had failed. ... He was facing future serious criminal charges... he had made no public impact of note on the Australian political scene". Monis may have felt that he had "little left to live for".<ref name=inquest5>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege gunman's lawyer told Monis: 'Get out of my office'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/may/29/sydney-siege-gunmans-lawyer-told-monis-get-out-of-my-office|work=The Guardian|date=29 May 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|publisher=Australian Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307164225/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/may/29/sydney-siege-gunmans-lawyer-told-monis-get-out-of-my-office|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On the day prior to the siege, Haron posted to his website:


No weapons were found when police raided his home in 2013.<ref name=abcgun/> From 1997 to 2000, Monis held a security guard licence, which would have let him carry a pistol between March and June 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Martin Place Siege Review |url=http://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/170215_Martin_Place_Siege_Review_1.pdf |website=dpmc.gov.au |access-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311014331if_/http://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/170215_Martin_Place_Siege_Review_1.pdf#page=56 |archive-date=11 March 2015 |pages=45 |date=January 2015}}</ref> The weapon that Monis used, a ] French-made ] La Salle pump-action shotgun, was more than 50 years old.<ref name=smhshotgun>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Bibby |url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-survivor-stands-tall-as-man-moniss-gun-appears-at-inquest-20150902-gjdn5q.html |title=Lindt Cafe siege survivor stands tall as Man Monis's gun appears at inquest |newspaper=Smh.com.au |date=2 September 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005131459/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-survivor-stands-tall-as-man-moniss-gun-appears-at-inquest-20150902-gjdn5q.html |archive-date=5 October 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Police believe the weapon was imported in the 1950s, when no registration was required.<ref name=abcgun>{{cite web |last=Kidd |first=Jessica |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-02/siege-inquest-sees-monis-shotgun-fired-using-dummy-bullets/6743732 |title=Sydney siege inquest: Ballistics expert fires sawn-off shotgun used by Man Haron Monis in Lindt Cafe – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) |publisher=Abc.net.au |date=2 September 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005161557/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-02/siege-inquest-sees-monis-shotgun-fired-using-dummy-bullets/6743732 |archive-date=5 October 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Monis had 23 shotgun cartridges of different brands on him, between 15 and 20 years old.<ref name=reconstruction>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/02/sydney-siege-shotgun-fired-in-chilling-courtroom-reconstruction|title=Sydney siege shotgun 'fired' in chilling courtroom reconstruction|work=The Guardian|first=Michael|last=Safi|date=2 September 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305063433/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/02/sydney-siege-shotgun-fired-in-chilling-courtroom-reconstruction|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=smhshotgun/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au//breaking-news-national/police-stand-by-actions-on-monis-bail-20150902-421iv.html|title=Police stand by actions on Monis bail|first=Peter|last=Trute|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=2 September 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803071742/http://www.smh.com.au//breaking-news-national/police-stand-by-actions-on-monis-bail-20150902-421iv.html|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
<blockquote>"Islam is the religion of peace, that's why Muslims fight against the oppression and terrorism of USA and its allies including UK and Australia. If we stay silent towards the criminals we cannot have a peaceful society. The more you fight with crime, the more peaceful you are. Islam wants peace on the Earth, that's why Muslims want to stop terrorism of America and its allies. When you speak out against crime you have taken one step towards peace."<ref name="Police Name Sydney Hostage-Taker as 'Radical Cleric' Man Haron Monis"></ref></blockquote>


==Reactions== ==Reactions==
===Government===
The ], ], convened the National Security Committee of Cabinet to give briefings on the situation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-12-15/abbott-reassures-australians-over-sydney-siege/|title=Abbott reassures Australians over Sydney siege|work=ITV News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.pmc.gov.au/media|title=Incident in Martin Place, Sydney|work=Prime Minister of Australia Media|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=smhlindt1 /> Abbott stated, "Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner."<ref name="Hostages Taken at Australian Chocolate Shop">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hostages-taken-australian-chocolate-shop-n268321|title=Five Hostages Flee Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney, Australia|work=NBC News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> He later said, "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."<ref name="Abbott speaks to nation: We won't let them scare us" />


===Leaders===
The ], ], addressed the media, stating "We are being tested today... in Sydney. The police are being tested, the public is being tested, but whatever the test we will face it head on and we will remain a strong democratic, civil society. I have full confidence in the Police Commissioner and the incredible work of the NSW police force."<ref name=abc-blog /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXYrHlBPX-k&feature=youtu.be|title=Premier and Commissioner address the media re: Martin Place police operation|work=YouTube|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>
The Prime Minister convened the National Security Committee of ] to give briefings on the situation<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-12-15/abbott-reassures-australians-over-sydney-siege/|title=Abbott reassures Australians over Sydney siege|work=ITV News|access-date=15 December 2014|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215024439/http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-12-15/abbott-reassures-australians-over-sydney-siege/|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.pmc.gov.au/media/2014-12-15/incident-martin-place-sydney-0|title=Incident in Martin Place, Sydney|work=Prime Minister of Australia Media|date=15 December 2014|access-date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215082401/http://forums.pmc.gov.au/media/2014-12-15/incident-martin-place-sydney-0|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and said "Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner."<ref name="Hostages Taken at Australian Chocolate Shop">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/sydney-hostage-standoff/sydney-siege-ends-police-storm-cafe-where-man-haron-monis-n268321|title=Five Hostages Flee Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney, Australia|work=NBC News|access-date=15 December 2014|first1=Andrea|last1=Mitchell|first2=Marc|last2=Smith|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215161908/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/sydney-hostage-standoff/sydney-siege-ends-police-storm-cafe-where-man-haron-monis-n268321|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He later said, "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", and "Australians should be reassured by the way our law enforcement and security agencies responded to this brush with terrorism."<ref name="Financial Times"/>


The ], ], addressed the media during the stand-off, and stated "we are being tested today... in Sydney. The police are being tested, the public is being tested, but whatever the test we will face it head on and we will remain a strong democratic, civil society. I have full confidence in the Police Commissioner and the incredible work of the NSW police force.<ref name=abc-blog/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXYrHlBPX-k|title=Premier and Commissioner address the media re: Martin Place police operation|work=YouTube|access-date=15 December 2014|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215170210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXYrHlBPX-k|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The Lord Mayor of Sydney, ], on the morning of 16 December, urged Australians to see this as a "one-off event", stating "we're an inclusive multicultural community and we need to deal with this together".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137139144|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place- ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|work=ABC News|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref> Govenor-General of Australia, Sir ], released a statement sympathising with the families, commending the work of the police involved, and urging Australians to "unite in our resolve to protect what we value most – our way of life, our care and respect for each other".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137138878|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place|work=ABC News|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref>

The ], ], on the morning of 16 December, urged Australians to see this as a "one-off event", stating, "We're an inclusive multicultural community and we need to deal with this together".<ref name=liveblog>{{cite web|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137139144|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place- ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|work=ABC News|access-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216042859/http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137139144|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ], Sir ], released a statement sympathising with the families, commending the work of the police involved, and urging Australians to "unite in our resolve to protect what we value most—our way of life, our care and respect for each other".<ref name=liveblog/>


===Community=== ===Community===
]
Due to concerns about an anti-Muslim backlash and attacks, a grassroots movement named ''#illridewithyou'' was started on social media in order to physically and emotionally support Muslims travelling alone on public transport.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/illridewithyou-twitter-sprouts-anti-islamophobia-campaign/story-fnjwnhzf-1227157197523|title=#illridewithyou: Twitter sprouts anti-Islamophobia campaign|publisher=]|date=15 December 2014|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-illridewithyou-hashtag-goes-viral-20141215-127rm1.html|title=Martin Place siege: #illridewithyou hashtag goes viral|publisher=]|date=15 December 2014|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/illridewithyou-hashtag-takes-off-following-siege/5969102|title = #illridewithyou: support for Muslim Australians takes off following Sydney siege|last = |first = |date = 15 December 2014|work = ABC News|accessdate = 15 December 2014}}</ref>
Thousands of people visited the site in the first few days after the incident to pay tribute to the victims.<ref>{{cite news|last1=ABC News|title=Sydney siege: Thousands pay tribute to victims killed in Martin Place Lindt cafe shootout|date=17 December 2014|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/sydney-siege-tributes-flow-for-victims-killed-in-lindt-cafe/5971804|access-date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218135953/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/sydney-siege-tributes-flow-for-victims-killed-in-lindt-cafe/5971804|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Among them were members of the families of Dawson and Johnson. Johnson's father was accompanied by rabbis Levi Wolff and Zalmen Kastel, Hindu priest Pandit Ramachandra, the ] and Sheikh Wesam Charkawi.<ref name=Kembrey3>{{cite news|last1=Kembrey|first1=Melanie|title=Sydney siege victim Tori Johnson's father wants son's death to be 'the beginning of something new'|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-victim-tori-johnsons-father-wants-sons-death-to-be-the-beginning-of-something-new-20141218-12a79b.html|access-date=20 December 2014|work=The Age|date=18 December 2014|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908230404/http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-victim-tori-johnsons-father-wants-sons-death-to-be-the-beginning-of-something-new-20141218-12a79b.html|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Dawson's young daughter left her own note.<ref name=Kembrey2>{{cite news|last1=Kembrey|first1=Melanie|title=Sydney siege: Katrina Dawson's daughter leaves touching note at Martin Place|date=19 December 2014|url=http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-katrina-dawsons-daughter-leaves-touching-note-at-martin-place-20141218-12a8t0.html|access-date=20 December 2014|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908220334/http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-katrina-dawsons-daughter-leaves-touching-note-at-martin-place-20141218-12a8t0.html|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


]
On the morning of the siege, after police declaired the crisis to be over, a makeshift memorial began to take shape on Martin Place. Prime Minister Abbott and NSW Premier Baird were some of many to lay flowers at the memorial. Flags on all NSW government buildings, including the ], also flew at half-mast to honour those who lost their lives at the café.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sydney siege: Amazing scenes as Sydneysiders empty florists to fill Martin Place with flowers|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/sydney-siege-amazing-scenes-as-sydneysiders-empty-florists-to-fill-martin-place-with-flowers/story-fni0cx12-1227157698015?nk=411c0135d040805fc7c3acb3b3e4daa1|publisher=dailytelegraph.com.au|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref>
Flags on all NSW government buildings, including the ], flew at ] to honour the hostages who lost their lives at the café.<ref name=Hasham>{{cite news|last1=Hasham|first1=Nicole|title=Sydney siege ends: flags to fly at half mast and floral tributes at Martin Place|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-ends-flags-to-fly-at-half-mast-and-floral-tributes-at-martin-place-20141215-127yy4.html|access-date=17 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221221342/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-ends-flags-to-fly-at-half-mast-and-floral-tributes-at-martin-place-20141215-127yy4.html|archive-date=21 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


A magistrate who had granted Monis bail and the lawyers who had represented him in his court appearances received death threats in the days after the attack. This reaction was described by the Bar Association as "understandable but wrong-headed", as magistrates have to deal with cases as they come before them on the basis of the law at the time.<ref name="death threats against judiciary, lawyers">{{cite news|last1=Kerin|first1=Lindy|title=Sydney siege: NSW Bar Association concerned about death threats against judiciary, lawyers over Monis bail outcome|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-19/sydney-siege-nsw-bar-association-not-blame-judiciary-and-lawyers/5978168|access-date=19 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219101231/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-19/sydney-siege-nsw-bar-association-not-blame-judiciary-and-lawyers/5978168|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Muslim organisations===
Sanier Dandan, president of the ], informed ] that Australian Muslim leaders were meeting online for discussions on how the Muslim community could help with the crisis. He also added that it was not known if the perpetrator or perpetrators were linked to the Australian Muslim community, saying, "Regardless we have a hostage situation. Whether he is someone who belongs to the Australian Muslim community or not, we are still waiting for information to be provided by police and based on that if there's something the Muslim community can do or assist, we are there."<ref name="Sydney hostage crisis: Live Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/449935/sydney-hostage-crisis-live-report|title=Sydney hostage crisis: Live Report|author=Post Publishing PCL.|work=http://www.bangkokpost.com|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="businessinsider-live">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-sydney-hostage-crisis-live-report-2014-12|title=Sydney hostage crisis: Live Report – Business Insider|date=15 December 2014|work=Business Insider|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the ] of Australia, also condemned the incident in a released statement.<ref name=abc-blog /><ref name="Central Sydney Is in Lockdown Amid a Developing Hostage Crisis">{{cite news|url=http://time.com/3633134/sydney-hostage-martin-place-lindt-cafe-terrorism/|title=Sydney Hostage Crisis: Major Police Operation Unfolding|work=TIME.com|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> During the afternoon of 15 December, around 50 Muslim groups issued a joint statement in which they condemned the incident.<ref name=abc-blog>{{cite news|last1=Franklin|first1=Daniel|title=Live blog: Siege in Sydney's Martin Place|url=http://livenews.abc.net.au/Event/Live_blog_Siege_in_Sydneys_Martin_Place/137083674|accessdate=15 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=15 December 2014}}</ref>


===#illridewithyou campaign===
===International===
During and immediately following the incident, some in the community expressed concern about an increased potential for violence or intimidation directed at Muslims in Australia.<ref name="Police respond to anti-Muslim sentiment"/> For example, the head of the Australian Muslim Women's Association told the media there was an increase in anti-Muslim messages being posted on ].<ref name="Police respond to anti-Muslim sentiment">{{cite news|last1=Simmonds|first1=Kylie|title=Sydney siege: Police respond to anti-Muslim sentiment in wake of Lindt cafe shootout|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/anti-muslim-sentiment-sydney-siege-auburn-mosque-threat/5972784|access-date=17 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219013623/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/anti-muslim-sentiment-sydney-siege-auburn-mosque-threat/5972784|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Due to this concern among some local social media users, many started using the ] ''#illridewithyou'' . This sought to offer solidarity and emotional support to Muslims travelling alone on public transport by people ] their bus/train route and suggesting that they would be willing to "ride with" anyone who might feel threatened.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/illridewithyou-twitter-sprouts-anti-islamophobia-campaign/story-fnjwnhzf-1227157197523|title=#illridewithyou: Twitter sprouts anti-Islamophobia campaign|work=]|date=15 December 2014|access-date=15 December 2014|first=James|last=Law|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215170318/http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/illridewithyou-twitter-sprouts-anti-islamophobia-campaign/story-fnjwnhzf-1227157197523|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> More than 150,000 people indicated their support of the concept by using the hashtag.<ref>{{cite news|last1=BBC|title=Sydney cafe: Australians say to Muslims "I'll ride with you"|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30479306|access-date=19 December 2014|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218203705/http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30479306|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The campaign was initially inspired by a Facebook status update about offering to walk with a woman who had removed her head covering.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ruppert|first=Brittany|title=Martin Place siege: #illridewithyou hashtag goes viral|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-illridewithyou-hashtag-goes-viral-20141216-127rm1.html|access-date=19 December 2014|date=16 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218210338/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/martin-place-siege-illridewithyou-hashtag-goes-viral-20141216-127rm1.html|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jacobs|first1=Rachel|title=How #illridewithyou began with Rachael Jacobs' experience on a Brisbane train|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/how-illridewithyou-began-with-rachael-jacobs-experience-on-a-brisbane-train-20141216-128205.html|access-date=23 December 2014|newspaper=Brisbane Times|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221222641/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/how-illridewithyou-began-with-rachael-jacobs-experience-on-a-brisbane-train-20141216-128205.html|archive-date=21 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The campaign received international attention, including from United States President ],<ref name=Obama>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/17/readout-president-s-call-prime-minister-tony-abbott-australia|title=Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Tony Abbott of Australia|date=17 December 2014|access-date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216145539/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/17/readout-president-s-call-prime-minister-tony-abbott-australia|archive-date=16 February 2017|url-status=live|via=]|work=]|df=dmy-all}}</ref> although federal National Party member of Parliament ] criticised the campaign for creating "false victims" out of Muslims and thereby taking attention away from the hostages.<ref name=Bourke>{{cite news|last=Bourke|first=Latika|author-link=Latika Bourke|title=President Obama praises #illridewithyou to Tony Abbott as Liberal MP slams 'hating whitey' campaign|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/president-obama-praises-illridewithyou-to-tony-abbott-as-liberal-mp-slams-hating-whitey-campaign-20141218-129icc.html|access-date=22 December 2014|newspaper=]|publisher=Fairfax Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228172609/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/president-obama-praises-illridewithyou-to-tony-abbott-as-liberal-mp-slams-hating-whitey-campaign-20141218-129icc.html|archive-date=28 December 2014|date=18 December 2014}}</ref>
World leaders including United States President ] were briefed on the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/obama-briefed-on-sydney-hostage-situation/5967942|title=Sydney siege: US president Barack Obama, British prime minister David Cameron briefed on Martin Place hostage situation|work=ABC News|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> A spokesman for the Canadian ], ], said, "We urge all Canadians in Sydney to use extra precaution and limit their movements as authorities handle this situation. We have offered Australia any assistance Canada can provide."<ref name="Canada closely monitors apparent hostage taking situation in Australia">{{cite news|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-closely-monitors-apparent-hostage-taking-situation-in-australia/article22080413/|title=Canada closely monitors apparent hostage taking situation in Australia|work=The Globe and Mail|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref>
]


===="Field of flowers"====
Indian Prime Minister ] stated "Such acts are inhuman and deeply unfortunate. I pray for everyone's safety."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sydney-incident-disturbing-PM-Modi/articleshow/45518347.cms|title=Sydney incident disturbing: PM Modi|work=The Times of India|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> The ]i embassy in Australia stated that it stands with Australia in the face of terror and is closely monitoring the situation.<ref> ''Jerusalem Post''. 15 December 2014.</ref> New Zealand Prime Minister ]<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://twitter.com/johnkeypm/status/544322306571386880|title = Canada's thoughts and prayers are with our Australian friends. #MartinPlace #SydneySiege|date = 15 December 2014|accessdate = 15 December 2014|website = Twitter|publisher = |last = Key|first = John}}</ref> and UK Prime Minister ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/544389639046721537|title=David Cameron on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> also expressed their concern about the siege.
On the morning of 16 December, after police declared the crisis to be over, a makeshift memorial began to take shape in Martin Place. From the first bunch of lilies, tributes developed into a field of flowers that "you can smell before you can see" and which was extensively reported and photographed.<ref name=Kembreymemorial/><ref name=Maley>{{cite news|last1=Maley|first1=Jacqueline|title=Focus of Sydney Christmas is Martin Place, but not by the tree|url=https://www.smh.com.au/comment/focus-of-sydney-christmas-is-martin-place-but-not-by-the-tree-20141219-12agrr.html|access-date=20 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=Williams>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Kylie|title=Sydney siege: Martin Place deluged with flowers and tributes to Lindt cafe siege victims|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/sydney-siege-flower-and-tributes-overflow-in-martin-place/5972412|access-date=20 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220085405/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/sydney-siege-flower-and-tributes-overflow-in-martin-place/5972412|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Prime Minister and NSW Premier were among many in the community to lay flowers at the memorial in a demarcated space.<ref name=Feneley>{{cite news|last1=Feneley|first1=John|title=Sydney siege: It's time to reach out to the grieving|url=https://www.smh.com.au/comment/sydney-siege-its-time-to-reach-out-to-the-grieving-20141218-129pol.html|access-date=18 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154437/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/sydney-siege-its-time-to-reach-out-to-the-grieving-20141218-129pol.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Flowers were also taken to suburban Lindt shops.


Volunteers from the ], the ] and the ] began clearing the flowers on 22 December after consultation with the families, because rain was expected. It was announced that the condolence books would be bound in several volumes and one complete copy provided to each family.<ref name=Partridge2>{{cite news|last1=Partridge|first1=Emma|title=Sydney siege: flowers to be removed from Martin Place|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-flowers-to-be-removed-from-martin-place-20141222-12cfvm.html|access-date=22 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224182700/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-flowers-to-be-removed-from-martin-place-20141222-12cfvm.html|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The messages on the many cards were to be digitised.<ref name=Cormack>{{cite news|last1=Cormack|first1=Lucy|title=The Sydney Morning Herald Sydney siege: Flowers removed from Martin Place|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-flowers-removed-from-martin-place-20141223-12ckly.html|access-date=22 December 2014|date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223093514/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-flowers-removed-from-martin-place-20141223-12ckly.html|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> During the week after the siege, it was estimated that 110,000 bouquets were laid at Martin Place.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news|title=Lindt cafe siege memorial unveiled in Sydney's Martin Place|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/16/lindt-cafe-siege-memorial-unveiled-in-sydneys-martin-place|access-date=16 December 2017|work=The Guardian|date=16 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216044257/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/16/lindt-cafe-siege-memorial-unveiled-in-sydneys-martin-place|archive-date=16 December 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, ], strongly condemned the taking of hostages as "inhuman", stating that the Australian authorities were repeatedly warned about Haron.<ref name=9news.IranReax>{{cite news|title=Iran condemns actions of Iranian-born Sydney gunman Man Monis|url=http://www.9news.com.au/world/2014/12/16/07/32/iran-condemns-australia-hostage-taking|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=9news.au.com|date=16 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Afkham|first1=Marzieh|title=وزارت خارجه ایران گروگانگیری سیدنی را محکوم کرد|url=http://isna.ir/fa/news/93092414566/%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%AF%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AD%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%85|website=]|accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:Police flowers.JPG|From the NSW Police Force
File:Selbourne Chambers.JPG|Outside Selborne Chambers
File:Lindt café.JPG| Floral tributes at the Lindt café in Westfield Miranda
File:(1)Lindt Cafe siege two days later 009a.jpg| Lindt's response to the shooting
</gallery>

===Religious organisations===
During the siege, Sanier Dandan, president of the ], informed ] that Australian Muslim leaders were meeting online for discussions as to how the Muslim community could help with the situation. He added, "Regardless, we have a hostage situation. Whether he is someone who belongs to the Australian Muslim community or not, we are still waiting for information to be provided by police and based on that if there's something the Muslim community can do or assist, we are there."<ref name="Sydney hostage crisis: Live Report">{{cite news|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/449935/sydney-hostage-crisis-live-report|title=Sydney hostage crisis: Live Report|author =Post Publishing PCL|work=Bangkok Post|access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="businessinsider-live">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-sydney-hostage-crisis-live-report-2014-12|title=Sydney hostage crisis: Live Report – Business Insider|date=15 December 2014|work=Business Insider|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215101024/http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-sydney-hostage-crisis-live-report-2014-12|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
]

], the ] of Australia, condemned the incident in a statement released on 15 December.<ref name=abc-blog/><ref name="Central Sydney Is in Lockdown Amid a Developing Hostage Crisis">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3633134/sydney-hostage-martin-place-lindt-cafe-terrorism/|title=Sydney Hostage Crisis: Major Police Operation Unfolding|magazine=]|access-date=15 December 2014|first=Dan|last=Kedmey|date=14 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215044117/http://time.com/3633134/sydney-hostage-martin-place-lindt-cafe-terrorism/|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The same afternoon, around fifty Muslim groups issued a joint statement in which they condemned the incident.<ref name="abc-blog"/> The Australian ] Muslim Association condemned the incident, the national president saying that "such actions are criminal and totally contrary to the teachings of Islam."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/Ahmadiyya-Muslims-Condemn-the-Terror-Siege-in-Sydney-076615 | title=Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns terror siege | access-date=16 December 2014 | first=Mirza | last=Sharif | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217003211/http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/Ahmadiyya-Muslims-Condemn-the-Terror-Siege-in-Sydney-076615 | archive-date=17 December 2014 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Egypt's Grand Mufti ] also condemned the attack.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Grand Mufti condemns Sydney hostage crisis|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/12/15/egypts-grand-mufti-condemns-sydney-hostage-crisis/|access-date=16 December 2014|newspaper=Daily News Egypt|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217013102/http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/12/15/egypts-grand-mufti-condemns-sydney-hostage-crisis/|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
] on 19 December 2014]]
In Martin Place, the 2014 traditional ] presented a message of support: "May the lights of the festival of Hanukkah bring comfort and warmth to our nation".<ref name=Tzvi>{{cite news|last1=Tzvi Ben-Gedalyahu|title=Sydney Chabad Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Canceled 'Out of Respect'|url=http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/public-menorah-lighting-in-sydney-canceled-following-tragedy/2014/12/18/|access-date=20 December 2014|work=Jewish Press|date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224182812/http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/public-menorah-lighting-in-sydney-canceled-following-tragedy/2014/12/18/|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The ], ], invoked the special prayers in the ] from the "Mass in times of civil disturbance"<ref name=Australian>{{cite news|title=Chilling terror act brought central Sydney to a halt|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/chilling-terror-act-brought-central-sydney-to-a-halt/news-story/7eb7fc591dda5371339aa5fdbac55ab0|newspaper=The Australian|date=16 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512210624/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/chilling-terror-act-brought-central-sydney-to-a-halt/news-story/7eb7fc591dda5371339aa5fdbac55ab0|archive-date=12 May 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and a memorial service was held at St Mary's Cathedral, on the morning of 19 December.<ref name=Kerin>{{cite news|last1=Kerin|first1=Lindy|title=Memorial service at St Mary's Cathedral for Sydney hostage victims|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2014/s4151947.htm|access-date=20 December 2014|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112044056/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2014/s4151947.htm|archive-date=12 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

], which had been within the exclusion zone,<ref name=excmap/> held a "Service of Remembrance and Reflection" on the afternoon of 19 December. The service was attended by about 400 people, most of them members of the legal profession.

===International===
During the siege, a spokesman for the Canadian ], ], said, "We urge all Canadians in Sydney to use extra precaution and limit their movements as authorities handle this situation."<ref name="Canada closely monitors apparent hostage taking situation in Australia">{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-closely-monitors-apparent-hostage-taking-situation-in-australia/article22080413/|title=Canada closely monitors apparent hostage taking situation in Australia|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=15 December 2014|location=Toronto|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109193807/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-closely-monitors-apparent-hostage-taking-situation-in-australia/article22080413/|archive-date=9 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

] spokeswoman, ], strongly condemned the taking of hostages as "inhuman" and also stated that the Australian authorities had been repeatedly warned about Monis.<ref name=":8">{{cite web|title=Analyst derides Australian government for letting criminal do freely|url=http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81428520|website=IRNA – Islamic Republic News Agency|date=16 December 2014 |publisher=Islamic Republic News Agency – IRNA|access-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317043655/http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81428520|archive-date=17 March 2017}}</ref><ref name=9news.IranReax>{{cite news|title=Iran condemns actions of Iranian-born Sydney gunman Man Monis|url=http://www.9news.com.au/world/2014/12/16/07/32/iran-condemns-australia-hostage-taking|access-date=16 December 2014|work=9news.au.com|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220134912/http://www.9news.com.au/world/2014/12/16/07/32/iran-condemns-australia-hostage-taking|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Afkham|first1=Marzieh|title=وزارت خارجه ایران گروگانگیری سیدنی را محکوم کرد|url=http://isna.ir/fa/news/93092414566/%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%AF%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AD%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%85|website=]|date=15 December 2014 |access-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216092845/http://www.isna.ir/fa/news/93092414566/%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%AF%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AD%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%85|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

United States President ] called the Prime Minister to express his condolences on behalf of the United States. According to the ], Obama praised the "Australian public's embrace of #illridewithyou and the Muslim leaders who have disavowed the actions of the hostage taker", and "Australia's rejection of any violence taken in the name of religion and the fear this violence seeks to stoke." The President also conveyed the United States' willingness to provide assistance in the aftermath of the situation.<ref name=Obama/> United States Secretary of State, ], said the United States stood ready to provide Australia with any assistance required in "determining the facts of the case, assisting the victims and holding accountable anyone and everyone responsible for this act of terror".<ref>{{cite news|title=World leaders support AUS |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/25796321/world-leaders-support-aus/ |publisher=Yahoo 7 |date=17 December 2014 |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217090924/https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/25796321/world-leaders-support-aus/ |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}</ref> Citing this event, the United States issued a global travel alert to its citizens, to be alert for possible terrorist attacks within public venues.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/world/us-issues-rare-worldwide-travel-alert-cites-sydneys-lonewolf-attack-20141220-12ba4k.html |title=US issues rare worldwide travel alert, cites Sydney's 'lone-wolf attack' |date=20 December 2014 |work=] |access-date=23 December 2014 |location=Melbourne |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909213908/http://www.theage.com.au/world/us-issues-rare-worldwide-travel-alert-cites-sydneys-lonewolf-attack-20141220-12ba4k.html |archive-date=9 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

New Zealand Prime Minister ],<ref>{{cite web|url = https://twitter.com/johnkeypm/status/544322306571386880|title = Canada's thoughts and prayers are with our Australian friends. #MartinPlace #SydneySiege|date = 15 December 2014|access-date = 15 December 2014|website = Twitter|last = Key|first = John|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150129145548/https://twitter.com/johnkeypm/status/544322306571386880|archive-date = 29 January 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Canadian Prime Minister ],<ref>{{cite web|url = https://twitter.com/pmharper/status/544305018439204864|title = Canada's thoughts and prayers are with our Australian friends. #MartinPlace #SydneySiege|date = 15 December 2014|access-date = 19 December 2014|website = Twitter|last = Harper|first = Stephen|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141217094622/https://twitter.com/pmharper/status/544305018439204864|archive-date = 17 December 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Indian Prime Minister ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sydney-incident-disturbing-PM-Modi/articleshow/45518347.cms|title=Sydney incident disturbing: PM Modi|work=The Times of India|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205012614/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sydney-incident-disturbing-PM-Modi/articleshow/45518347.cms|archive-date=5 February 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> UK Prime Minister ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/544389639046721537|title=I was briefed overnight on the siege in Sydney. It's deeply concerning and my thoughts are with all those caught up in it|work=Twitter|access-date=15 December 2014|first=David|last=Cameron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713161357/https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/544389639046721537|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and Malaysian Prime Minister ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NajibRazak/status/544780969496944640|title=We stand in solidarity with all Australians. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the #SydneySiege yesterday|first=Najib|last=Razak|website=Twitter|date=16 December 2014|access-date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129021016/https://twitter.com/NajibRazak/status/544780969496944640|archive-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> also expressed their concern about the incident. In addition, the ]i embassy in Australia stated that it stood with Australia in the face of terror.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215092929/http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Israeli-embassy-in-Australia-closely-following-hostage-crisis-at-Sydney-cafe-384651 |date=15 December 2014 }} ''Jerusalem Post''. 15 December 2014.</ref>

===Charitable foundations===
Following the two deaths during the hostage situation, the Katrina Dawson Foundation was established, with the aim of supporting educational opportunities for women.<ref name=Duff>{{cite news|last1=Duff|first1=Eamonn|title=The family of Sydney siege victim Katrina Dawson speaks|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/the-family-of-sydney-siege-victim-katrina-dawson-speaks-20141221-12beji.html|access-date=20 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=21 December 2014}}</ref> The then ] ] was a founding member. At his parents' request, a memorial fund for Johnson was used to raise money for mental health organisation ].<ref name=Ryan>{{cite news|last1=Ryan|first1=Brad|title=Sydney siege: Katrina Dawson Foundation to raise funds for women's education|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-20/sydney-siege-katrina-dawson-foundation-established/5980936|access-date=20 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220153500/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-20/sydney-siege-katrina-dawson-foundation-established/5980936|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The first donation, of $51,000, came from Lindt Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://beyondblueinmemoriam.everydayhero.com/au/torijohnson|title = In memoriam|access-date = 20 December 2014|publisher = Beyond Blue|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141220190337/https://beyondblueinmemoriam.everydayhero.com/au/torijohnson|archive-date = 20 December 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

===Terrorist organizations===
Two weeks after the siege, '']'', a magazine published by the ISIL editorialised on Monis's actions and attempted to claim him as one of their own, in a response that an expert described as "absolutely predictable".<ref name=Snow&Knott>{{cite news|last1=Snow|first1=Deborah|first2=Matthew|last2=Knott|title=Inevitable that IS would try to lionise Martin Place gunman|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/inevitable-that-is-would-try-to-lionise-martin-place-gunman-20141230-12foa2.html|access-date=31 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230230207/http://www.smh.com.au/national/inevitable-that-is-would-try-to-lionise-martin-place-gunman-20141230-12foa2.html|archive-date=30 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The magazine lauded Monis's actions and their effect on the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sydney-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-glorified-in-islamic-state-propaganda-magazine-dabiq-20141230-12fdg6.html|title=Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis glorified in Islamic State propaganda magazine Dabiq|last=Knott|first=Matthew|date=30 December 2014|work=]|access-date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230231040/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sydney-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-glorified-in-islamic-state-propaganda-magazine-dabiq-20141230-12fdg6.html|archive-date=30 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The ]-produced magazine '']'' also praised Monis's actions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/577353/20141230/man-haron-monis-sydney-siege-al-qaueda.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230121305/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/577353/20141230/man-haron-monis-sydney-siege-al-qaueda.htm|archive-date=30 December 2014|title=Al-Qaeda Blames Australia's Provocation Of Man Haron Monis|last=Yenko|first=Anthena|date=30 December 2014|work=]|access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref>

==Investigations==
]
]
]
A number of organisations announced formal investigations.

Police investigations include a "critical incident" investigation undertaken by NSW police;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-over-the-moment-police-decided-to-raid-lindt-cafe-20141215-127vj7.html|title=Sydney siege over: the moment police decided to raid Lindt cafe|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 December 2014|first=Lisa|last=Visentin|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924215145/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-over-the-moment-police-decided-to-raid-lindt-cafe-20141215-127vj7.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> headed by Detective Inspector Angelo Memmolo<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-detective-inspector-angelo-memmolo-to-head-investigation-20141217-1295us.html|title=Sydney siege: Detective Inspector Angelo Memmolo to head investigation|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=18 December 2014|first=Emma|last=Partridge|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205012614/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-detective-inspector-angelo-memmolo-to-head-investigation-20141217-1295us.html|archive-date=5 February 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and an enquiry conducted by the ].<ref name=Jabour>{{cite news|last1=Jabour|first1=Bridie|first2=Daniel|last2=Hurst|title=Inquiry after Tony Abbott wrongly claims Sydney siege gunman had a licence|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/17/inquiry-launched-tony-abbott-wrongly-claims-gunman-licence|access-date=12 February 2015|work=The Guardian|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216212903/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/17/inquiry-launched-tony-abbott-wrongly-claims-gunman-licence|archive-date=16 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Federal and state governments announced a joint review to be led by ] from the ] and ] of the ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grattan|first1=Michelle|author-link=Michelle Grattan|title=Joint review ordered into siege and hostage-taker's background|url=https://theconversation.com/joint-review-ordered-into-siege-and-hostage-takers-background-35619|publisher=]|access-date=19 December 2014|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220000353/https://theconversation.com/joint-review-ordered-into-siege-and-hostage-takers-background-35619|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Following the siege, officers from the New South Wales Police Force and the Australian Federal Police went to the ] home of Monis's partner Amirah Droudis, and removed property.<ref name=aust-home-raid>{{cite news |last1=Higgins|first1=Ean|title=Police raid home of Haron partner Amirah Droudis |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/police-raid-home-of-haron-monis-partner-amirah-droudis/story-fnqxbywy-1227158154165 |access-date=16 December 2014 |work=The Australian |date=16 December 2014}}</ref> Her bail was revoked after a hearing on 22 December 2014.<ref name=Revoke>{{cite news |title=Sydney siege gunman's partner Amirah Droudis has bail revoked |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-22/sydney-siege-gunman-partner-amirah-droudis-bail-revoked/5982674 |access-date=22 December 2014 |work=ABC News |date=21 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222071843/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-22/sydney-siege-gunman-partner-amirah-droudis-bail-revoked/5982674 |archive-date=22 December 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Investigations by Australian security agencies and monitoring of suspects following the siege revealed increased "terror chatter".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/pm-warns-of-heightened-level-of-terror-chatter/5986242|title=Heightened level of terror 'chatter' in wake of Sydney siege: PM Tony Abbott|date=23 December 2014|last=Woodley|first=Naomi|work=]|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223210226/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/pm-warns-of-heightened-level-of-terror-chatter/5986242|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Koziol>{{cite news |last1=Koziol |first1=Michael |title=Terrorist threat: Sydneysiders urged to keep vigilant but carry on |url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/terrorist-threat-sydneysiders-urged-to-keep-vigilant-but-carry-on-20141226-12duvm.html |access-date=27 December 2014 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=27 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227064129/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/terrorist-threat-sydneysiders-urged-to-keep-vigilant-but-carry-on-20141226-12duvm.html |archive-date=27 December 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Federal–State joint review===
The findings of the Federal–State joint review were released on 22 February 2015.<ref name=martinplacereport>{{citation|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/1672780/martin-place-siege-joint-commonwealth-new-south.pdf|title=Martin Place Siege : Joint Commonwealth – New South Wales review|date=January 2015|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia, State of New South Wales|access-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222094706/https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/1672780/martin-place-siege-joint-commonwealth-new-south.pdf|archive-date=22 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The report covered Monis's earlier interactions with the government, his access to firearms, and the government response to Monis including problems correlating his various aliases. The report's terms of reference did not cover the controversial<ref name=crikey>{{cite news | url=http://media.crikey.com.au/dm/newsletter/dailymail_80c140ff8c7d1a43c694a2192454607b.html#article_33252 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205012614/http://media.crikey.com.au/dm/newsletter/dailymail_80c140ff8c7d1a43c694a2192454607b.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 February 2016 | title=Sydney siege findings must be made public }}</ref> police actions during the siege itself, such as the nature of the negotiations or the final assault.<ref name=martinplacereport/>

The review found that the judgements made by government agencies were reasonable. It suggested only modest changes to laws and procedures, taking the view that "introducing substantial further controls involves a larger choice about the sort of society we wish to live in and is properly the province of the public and our elected representatives".<ref name=martinplacereport/> The review found that the ] (ASIO) had conducted a thorough review of Monis in 2008/9 and found that he was not involved in politically motivated violence, nor had significant contact with groups of security concern. After receiving 18 calls from the public, ASIO reviewed Monis's Facebook page, which was considered not to indicate a threat. None of the calls related to any pending attack. The review found that there was no credible information that would indicate an attack.<ref name=martinplacereport/> Monis had been granted bail while charged with several violent offences. However, bail laws had since been tightened in this regard. Monis obtained his firearm illegally and was never granted a license.<ref name=martinplacereport/>

The review suggested, in addition to the reforms to the bail laws and "new programmes to counter ]", that a review of ] and ] should be undertaken.<ref name="Joint review released">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-22/sydney-siege-joint-review-released-visa-citizenship-reforms/6184012|title=Sydney Lindt cafe siege: Tony Abbott says protecting the community will mean 'redrawing the line' on individual rights, after review released|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|first=James|last=Bennett|date=22 February 2015|access-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224015506/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-22/sydney-siege-joint-review-released-visa-citizenship-reforms/6184012|archive-date=24 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The review suggested that the gun that Monis used had lawfully entered the country, possibly as early as the 1950s,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/170215_Martin_Place_Siege_Review_1.pdf|title=Martin Place Siege: Joint Commonwealth-New South Wales Review|publisher=Australian Government and NSW Government|pages=45, 48|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311014331/http://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/170215_Martin_Place_Siege_Review_1.pdf|archive-date=11 March 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and had fallen into the "grey market" after not being included in the gun buyback schemes of ] and ].<ref name="Joint review released"/>

===Inquest===
{{main|Sydney siege inquest}}
An ] began as scheduled on 29 January 2015, presided over by the State Coroner, Michael Barnes. A Coronial Inquest is mandatory whenever people die in a police operation. The stated aim was "to determine how the deaths occurred, the factors that contributed to them and whether they could have been prevented".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Barnes |first1=Michael (NSW State Coroner) |title=Press Release |url=http://www.coroners.justice.nsw.gov.au/agdbasev7wr/_assets/coroners/m401601l771003/press%20release_2014_12_16_11_22_25_127.pdf |website=] |publisher=Government of New South Wales |access-date=23 December 2014 |date=16 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223220139/http://www.coroners.justice.nsw.gov.au/agdbasev7wr/_assets/coroners/m401601l771003/press%20release_2014_12_16_11_22_25_127.pdf |archive-date=23 December 2014 }}</ref><ref name=Olding1>{{cite news |last1=Olding |first1=Rachel |title=Date revealed for inquest into Martin Place siege deaths |url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/date-revealed-for-inquest-into-martin-place-siege-deaths-20150113-12noya.html |access-date=14 January 2015 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331043503/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/date-revealed-for-inquest-into-martin-place-siege-deaths-20150113-12noya.html |archive-date=31 March 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=smh-inquest-starts>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Brad |title=Sydney siege inquest: Deaths of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson investigated as inquest opens |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-29/deaths-of-sydney-siege-hostages-examined-by-inquest/6053114 |access-date=28 January 2015 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129040306/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-29/deaths-of-sydney-siege-hostages-examined-by-inquest/6053114 |archive-date=29 January 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The hearings were divided into blocks of a couple of weeks. The first, which started on 25 May 2015, queried people who knew Monis to get background information. The second started on 17 August 2015 to consider Monis' bail application. Further blocks that investigate how the police dealt with the siege itself were withheld from the public "in the interests of the families".<ref name=inquest_17Aug>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege inquest: court not told Monis was on bail at time of alleged assaults – as it happened|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/aug/17/sydney-siege-inquest-gunmans-bail-to-be-examined-rolling-report|first=Bridie|last=Jabour|date=17 August 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610011523/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/aug/17/sydney-siege-inquest-gunmans-bail-to-be-examined-rolling-report|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The findings of the inquest were released on 24 May 2017.

==Aftermath==

===Designation of the event as terrorism===
<!-- Removed pending vote in Talk: Terrorism in Australia -->
{{further|Definition of terrorism}}

====Insurance declaration====
Treasurer ] declared the siege to be a "terrorist incident" under the ''Terrorism Insurance Act 2003''.<ref name=monisterroristdesignation>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/government-declares-martin-place-siege-terrorism-for-insurance-20150115-12r0ae.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|title=Government declares Martin Place siege 'terrorism' for insurance|first1=David|last1=Wroe|first2=Gareth|last2=Hutchens|date=15 January 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214212950/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/government-declares-martin-place-siege-terrorism-for-insurance-20150115-12r0ae.html|archive-date=14 February 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00053|title=Declaration of Terrorist Incident (15/01/2015)|work=comlaw.gov.au|date=19 January 2015 |access-date=17 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301061751/http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00053/|archive-date=1 March 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://arpc.gov.au/2015/01/15/declared-terrorist-incident-lindt-cafe/ |title=Declared terrorist incident – Lindt Cafe |date=15 January 2015 |work=Australian Government – Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation |access-date=15 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115114722/http://arpc.gov.au/2015/01/15/declared-terrorist-incident-lindt-cafe/ |archive-date=15 January 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Act means that insurance exclusions for terrorist incidents do not apply if such a declaration is made.<ref name=monisterroristdesignation/>

====Debate on status as a terrorist event====
Scholars and social commentators have debated whether Monis was a terrorist and whether his actions could be classified as an act of terrorism. There is doubt as to whether or not Monis fit the definition of a lone wolf terrorist.

] criminologist Mark Lauchs said it was important to not describe the siege as a "terrorist attack". Lauchs said Monis was simply a deranged person running a hostage situation. "This incident was not about religion and neither was it a terrorist attack, but given that perception by the paraphernalia Monis used."<ref name=Killalea>{{Cite news|url = http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/man-haron-monis-why-did-he-carry-out-sydney-siege/story-fnj3rq0y-1227159748676|title = Man Haron Monis: Why did he carry out Sydney siege?|last = Debra|first = Killalea|date = 17 December 2014|work = News.com.au|access-date = 17 March 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402001256/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/man-haron-monis-why-did-he-carry-out-sydney-siege/story-fnj3rq0y-1227159748676|archive-date = 2 April 2015|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The Australian prime minister said, " had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism and mental instability...As the siege unfolded yesterday, he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ] death cult."<ref name=Simon>{{cite news|last1=Simon|first1=Benjamin|title=Experts Say Sydney Hostage Taker Man Haron Monis Wasn't A Terrorist, Just A Man With Mental Problems|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/1684772/experts-say-sydney-hostage-taker-man-haron-monis-wasnt-a-terrorist-just-a-man-with-mental-problems/|access-date=29 December 2014|work=Inquisitr|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230005154/http://www.inquisitr.com/1684772/experts-say-sydney-hostage-taker-man-haron-monis-wasnt-a-terrorist-just-a-man-with-mental-problems/|archive-date=30 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Prof Greg Barton (from Deakin University) and Dr Clarke Jones (ANU) told the ] that Monis was a loner and had mental health problems, and was desperate to attach himself to something. Clarke suggested that if the ] had accepted his membership then the siege might not have happened. Roger Shanahan from the ] said that if Monis had followed ISIS direction he would have just killed everyone.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/aug/26/sydney-siege-would-have-been-extremely-hard-to-predict-inquest-told|title=Sydney siege would have been extremely hard to predict, inquest told|work=The Guardian|date=26 August 2015|access-date=14 May 2016|publisher=Australian Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330100709/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/aug/26/sydney-siege-would-have-been-extremely-hard-to-predict-inquest-told|archive-date=30 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The chief of ASIO ] confirmed that he believed Monis to be a terrorist.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/asio-boss-admits-lindt-cafe-gunman-man-haron-monis-was-a-terrorist/story-fnpn118l-1227219923154|title = ASIO boss admits Lindt Cafe gunman Man Haron Monis was a terrorist|last = Maiden|first = Samantha|date = 15 February 2015|work = The Daily Telegraph|access-date = 15 May 2015}}</ref> However, former counter-terrorism adviser to the White House, ], said, "I don't think this was a lone wolf terrorist, I don't think this was a terrorist at all, I think this was someone who was committing ] as a lot of people with mental problems do, and now, if they say they're a terrorist, if they say they're somehow associated with ISIS or Al Qaeda, it becomes a major event that shuts down the city and gets international attention. This was a person with a mental problem who tried to gain attention and succeeded, tried to shut down the city and succeeded, merely by putting up a flag that was something like the flag of ISIS."<ref name=Simon/>

The difference between terrorism and terrorising acts was noted in one analysis as "enormously important"{{mdash}}it added that in Monis's case, terrorism "was clearly an element, but he was coming to the end of his rope with a variety of legal processes; there was clearly some mental instability."<ref name=Feneley3/> One view was that his lack of ties to any movement did not preclude his being a terrorist as it is "an inclusive club".<ref name=Maley3>{{cite news|last1=Maley|first1=Jacqueline|title=Let there be no doubt: Monis was a terrorist|url=https://www.smh.com.au/comment/let-there-be-no-doubt-monis-was-a-terrorist-20141219-129aic.html|access-date=20 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 December 2014}}</ref> Another commentator said, "There can be also no doubt that his attack was a terrorist act, as defined under Australia's Criminal Code Act 1995" and that, "he was a terrorist, clearly influenced by IS".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/lets-be-honest-man-haron-monis-was-an-is-terrorist/story-fni0cwl5-1227158489614|last=Lehmann|first= John|title=Let's be honest: Man Haron Monis was an IS terrorist|date=17 December 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref>

One terrorism expert, Professor Greg Barton, described Monis's actions as those of a "] ... driven by a desire for attention and to be in the spotlight",<ref name=Killalea/><ref name=Fraser>{{cite news|last1=Fraser|first1=Jill|title=Australian expert warns of 'lone wolf' terror risk|url=http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/437309--australian-expert-warns-of-lone-wolf-terror-risk|access-date=23 December 2014|work=Anadolou Agency|date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223054430/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/437309--australian-expert-warns-of-lone-wolf-terror-risk|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and his use of the flag was described as "the only way" to instil fear on a global scale.<ref name=Bhatti>{{cite news|last1=Bhatti|first1=Maria|title=Expressions of Muslim faith held hostage by criminals|url=https://www.smh.com.au/comment/expressions-of-muslim-faith-held-hostage-by-criminals-20141229-12ew74.html|access-date=29 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229173500/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/expressions-of-muslim-faith-held-hostage-by-criminals-20141229-12ew74.html|archive-date=29 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Professor ], Director of the School of International, Political and Strategic Studies at the ] said the attack "was very different from first-generation or second-generation terrorist attacks{{mdash}}but it was terrorism, and terrorism of a brutal and more unpredictable sort."<ref name=Wesley>{{cite news|last1=Wesley|first1=Michael|title=Sydney siege: Welcome to Jihad 3.0, the third wave of terrorism and the most unpredictable|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/sydney-siege-welcome-to-jihad-30-the-third-wave-of-terrorism-and-the-most-unpredictable/story-e6frg6zo-1227162441570|work=The Australian|date=20 December 2014}}</ref> Another view was that describing the gunman as a terrorist was misplaced and would only serve the interests of ISIL.<ref name=Aly>{{cite news|last1=Aly|first1=Anne|title=Sydney siege: don't call Man Haron Monis a 'terrorist' – it only helps Isis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/16/sydney-siege-dont-call-man-haron-monis-a-terrorist-it-only-helps-isis|access-date=27 December 2014|work=The Guardian|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226181412/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/16/sydney-siege-dont-call-man-haron-monis-a-terrorist-it-only-helps-isis|archive-date=26 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The supervisor of terrorism and security analysis for ] said that this hostage-incident exhibits many of the elements associated with grassroots terrorism.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stratfor/2014/12/18/the-sydney-hostage-incident-was-grassroots-terrorism/|title=The Sydney Hostage Incident Was Grassroots Terrorism|last=Stewart|first=Scott|date=18 December 2014|work=]|access-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226015317/http://www.forbes.com/sites/stratfor/2014/12/18/the-sydney-hostage-incident-was-grassroots-terrorism/|archive-date=26 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A criminologist said that the event "was not about religion and neither was it a terrorist attack but given that perception by the paraphernalia Monis used."<ref name=Killalea/>

Conversely, Yassir Morsi, a researcher at the Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding in Australia, suggested that "before he flew the black flag, Monis was just a desperate man with a violent past" and that "he was just another gunman. ... the symbol (flag) rewrote Monis's violent past and gave grammar to his attack."<ref name=black-flag/>

Monis had entered the cafe without an ISIS flag.<ref name="sunshinelindt1"/> ASIO's previous investigations had found no links between Monis and any terrorist group.<ref name=martinplacereport/> When a News reporter met him before the crisis she thought Monis was "lost and confused" and "harmless".<ref>{{cite news | title=Man Haron Monis: The day I met the Sydney siege gunman | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/man-haron-monis-the-day-i-met-the-sydney-siege-gunman/story-fnj3rq0y-1227158030374 | work=news.com.au | date=16 December 2014 | first=Rashell | last=Habib | access-date=3 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216123525/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/man-haron-monis-the-day-i-met-the-sydney-siege-gunman/story-fnj3rq0y-1227158030374 | archive-date=16 December 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Habib said Monis was "sick and disturbed" and desperately seeking attention over his grievances with government officials that had nothing to do with terrorism.<ref name=habib/>

In 2016, Monis was cited as one of a number of recent violent attackers who were mentally disturbed and operated under the justification of Islamist ideas or slogans. Other examples include the as-of-yet unidentified perpetrator of the ] and Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, the perpetrator of the ]. According to psychologists and psychiatrists who study radicalisation, jihad propaganda and calls to kill infidels can push mentally-ill individuals to act, even in the absence of direct or personal contact with radical Islamists.<ref name="AFDExploitMentally">{{cite news|title=Global terrorist groups exploit mentally ill people to carry out attacks|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/world/global-terrorist-groups-exploit-mentally-ill-people-to-carry-out-attacks-experts|access-date=17 May 2016|agency=Agence France|newspaper=Straits Times|date=12 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610142347/http://www.straitstimes.com/world/global-terrorist-groups-exploit-mentally-ill-people-to-carry-out-attacks-experts|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In February 2017, United States President ] cited the Sydney siege as an example of what he claimed was deliberate underreporting of terrorist attacks by the media, notwithstanding that the event received "blanket coverage" in local and international news.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/feb/07/terrorism-not-even-being-reported-trump-cites-sydney-siege-in-list-of-attacks|title=Terrorism 'not even being reported': Trump cites Sydney siege in list of attacks|last=Davidson|first=Helen|date=7 February 2017|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=7 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207053657/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/feb/07/terrorism-not-even-being-reported-trump-cites-sydney-siege-in-list-of-attacks|archive-date=7 February 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====The coroner's finding====
Following the ], in May 2017, the NSW Coroner Michael Barnes determined that "The siege was a terrorist incident."<ref name="siege">{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/lindt-siege-was-a-terror-incident-coroner/news-story/cd98a5db6cc5d0b1513df67dba7a312f |title=Lindt siege was a terror incident: coroner |date =24 May 2017 }}</ref>

===Police weapons and tactics===
During the siege, an Australian Army ] East team at ] evaluated the floorplan of the cafe and gave advice to police. Mitchell McAlister, a former member of TAG East, questioned the police use of ] with 5.56&nbsp;mm rounds over using ] ]s.<ref name="sofrep"/>

Katrina Dawson died from a fragment of a police bullet, and other hostages appear to have been hit by bullets that ricocheted off the concrete building. It was unclear why 22 shots were fired by police, of which 13 hit Monis.<ref name="smh.com.au"/><ref name=mcalister/><ref name=guardianjan29/> Police have been criticised for both the high powered weapons used and the number of shots fired.<ref name=mcalister/>

====Negotiation====
During the siege, no significant effort was made to negotiate with Monis, as would normally be expected in a hostage situation in order to build a relationship with a gunman and persuade them to surrender.<ref name=neil/> Instead, Monis received no encouragement or assistance from trained police negotiators.<ref name=newsMikhael/>

Help was offered by the Muslim community including the Grand Mufti and ] who had known Monis personally. Habib offered to help negotiate or provide background information to the police. These offers were not taken up.<ref name=habib/>

It has been suggested that the police treatment of the siege as a terrorist attack may have led to errors such as making no attempt to negotiate with the gunman as would have been normal practice in other hostage situations.<ref name=neil/> One commentator, Guy Rundle, questioned whether the police may have used a "crude rule" that "we don't negotiate with terrorists" that affected their procedures.<ref name=crikey/> It might also explain the choice of weapon in a small enclosure against a lone gunman.<ref name=mcalister/> These factors may have directly led to the deaths of Johnson and Dawson.<ref name=crikey/>

====ISIL flag====
During the siege, police asked Muslims in Sydney to source an ] flag for Monis, before obtaining their own.<ref name=kayflag/> The police later raided several houses of people contacted by Ms Kay who was attempting to find an ISIL flag.<ref name=kayflag/> Ms Kay assumed that the phone calls had been monitored, and that the request had been solely to find out who she would contact, lowering trust in the NSW Police Force among Muslims.<ref name=kayflag/>

===Lack of detection===
The security services have been criticised for not recognising that Monis was a threat, and for taking him off their watch list in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege: Tony Abbott announces urgent review, including looking at Man Haron Monis' access to firearms|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/sydney-siege-tony-abbott-joint-commonwealth-nsw-investigation/5973842|first=Jane|last=Norman|date=18 December 2014|access-date=14 May 2016|work=ABC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209064934/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/sydney-siege-tony-abbott-joint-commonwealth-nsw-investigation/5973842|archive-date=9 February 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This may have been because they overlooked key evidence, or it may have been because there was simply no evidence to collect.<ref name=websitereview/> The federal-state joint review found that the relevant agencies' analysis had been reasonable.<ref name=martinplacereport/>

===Law and politics===
After the siege, the revelation that the ] had allowed Monis to be granted bail sparked calls to further tighten the law; however, a review had already been conducted in the wake of earlier controversial bail releases, with the new law set "to take effect next year" (that is, on 28 January 2015).<ref name=Whitbourn3>{{cite news|last=Whitbourn|first=Michaela|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-why-was-gunman-man-haron-monis-out-on-bail-20141217-12999f.html|title=Sydney siege aftermath: why was gunman Man Haron Monis out on bail|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=25 December 2014|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716201054/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-why-was-gunman-man-haron-monis-out-on-bail-20141217-12999f.html|archive-date=16 July 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=petition>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com.au/a-change-org-petition-for-stronger-bail-laws-in-nsw-has-secured-more-than-42000-signatures-in-one-day-2014-12|title=A Change.Org Petition For Stronger Bail Laws In NSW Has Secured More Than 42,000 Signatures In One Day|first=Alex|last=Heber|work=Business Insider Australia|access-date=25 December 2014|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218133916/http://www.businessinsider.com.au/a-change-org-petition-for-stronger-bail-laws-in-nsw-has-secured-more-than-42000-signatures-in-one-day-2014-12|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Former director of public prosecutions in New South Wales, ], said he was not sure that the amended law would have changed anything in Monis's case,<ref name=Barns>{{cite web|last=Barns|first=Greg|date=18 December 2014|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/barns-stricter-bail-laws-would-be-an-assault-on-our-rights/5972018|title=Stricter bail laws would be an assault on our rights|work=]|access-date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216234423/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/barns-stricter-bail-laws-would-be-an-assault-on-our-rights/5972018|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> saying that "There will always be, unfortunately, some exceptional events which laws and controls put in place before the event could not have prevented".<ref name=Barns/> Homicide detectives sent a letter to the ] (DPP) urging them to challenge the bail decision for Monis, but a commissioned officer did not pass it on to the DPP.<ref>{{cite news|first=Janet |last=Fife-Yeomans |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dpp-never-received-police-warning-on-man-haron-monis/story-fni0cx12-1227201514196 |title=DPP never received police warning on Man Haron Monis |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=30 January 2015|date=30 January 2016}}</ref> Michael Esposito, writing for the Law Society of South Australia, noted that the shocking nature of the Sydney siege had the power to prompt reviews of bail laws across Australia.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Esposito|first=Michael|title=Reviewing bail laws in the wake of the Sydney Siege|journal=Bulletin (Law Society of South Australia)|volume=37 |issue=1|date=February 2015|pages=24–25|url=http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=995569470465830;res=IELHSS|issn=1038-6777|access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref>

Some commentators expressed concerns about immigration and citizenship processes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/monis-proves-we-need-to-sort-out-our-immigration-mistakes-20141217-1297f1.html|title=Monis proves we need to sort out our immigration mistakes|last=Sheehan|first=Paul|date=18 December 2014|work=]|access-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205060449/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/monis-proves-we-need-to-sort-out-our-immigration-mistakes-20141217-1297f1.html|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/sydney-siege/sydney-siege-man-haron-monis-flew-in-on-a-business-visa/story-fnqxbywy-1227161198324 |title=Sydney siege: Man Haron Monis flew in on a business visa|last=Bita|first=Natasha|date=19 December 2014|work=]|access-date=26 December 2014}}</ref> Monis's "confused agenda" meant that ] did not realise that he and Boroujerdim, who had sought help in 1997, were the same man until they went back through their records.<ref name=Feneley4>{{cite news|last1=Feneley|first1=Rick|title=Martin Place siege gunman Man Haron Monis: Why Amnesty supported his application for a protection visa|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/martin-place-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-why-amnesty-supported-his-application-for-a-protection-visa-20150106-12itu3.html|access-date=14 January 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=6 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109064706/http://www.smh.com.au/national/martin-place-siege-gunman-man-haron-monis-why-amnesty-supported-his-application-for-a-protection-visa-20150106-12itu3.html|archive-date=9 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the absence of hard evidence, suggestions that Monis represented a growing trend of systemic failure, rather than being an aberration, were noted as dangerous to public confidence; to the separation of powers; to the idea of innocence till proven guilty and also to social cohesion by inviting suspicion of people from the Middle East.<ref name=Gordon1>{{cite news|last1=Gordon|first1=Michael|title=Tony Abbott overplays the national security card|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/tony-abbott-overplays-the-national-security-card-20150216-13g89i.html|access-date=16 February 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216191550/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/tony-abbott-overplays-the-national-security-card-20150216-13g89i.html|archive-date=16 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In the week after the siege, it was revealed that ], ], had sent a letter which passed on a request made by Monis, a constituent in his Blacktown electorate, to the ] in 2011. The letter was, according to Robertson, routine procedure on behalf of a constituent and written in support of Monis's request for a supervised visit with his children on Father's Day despite an ] against him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/alp-leader-john-robertson-signed-man-monis-letter-20141222-12bzzs.html|title=ALP leader John Robertson signed Man Monis letter|last=Robertson|first=James|date=22 December 2014|work=]|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224182600/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/alp-leader-john-robertson-signed-man-monis-letter-20141222-12bzzs.html|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Department declined Monis's request.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-22/robertson-sent-letter-to-docs-on-behalf-of-sydney-siege-gunman/5982814|title=Sydney siege: NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson sent letter to DOCS on behalf of Lindt cafe gunman|last=Williams|first=Kylie|work=]|location=Australia|date=22 December 2014|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223022000/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-22/robertson-sent-letter-to-docs-on-behalf-of-sydney-siege-gunman/5982814|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As pressure mounted on Robertson to resign as Leader of the Labor Party, and three months away from the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/john-robertson-facing-internal-pressure-to-resign-monis-letter/5985316|title=John Robertson: Momentum gathering for NSW leadership spill, Labor MPs say|last=Dole|first=Nick|work=]|date=23 December 2014|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223021954/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/john-robertson-facing-internal-pressure-to-resign-monis-letter/5985316|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> he stood aside on 23 December 2014.<ref name="resign">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/john-robertson-stands-down-as-nsw-opposition-leader/5986184|title=John Robertson stands down as NSW Opposition Leader following leadership speculation|work=]|location=Australia|date=23 December 2014|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223210347/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/john-robertson-stands-down-as-nsw-opposition-leader/5986184|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Violence===
Commentators considered Monis's history of domestic violence, with a family violence expert arguing that it should have been considered when bail was given.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Davey|first1=Melissa|title=Man Haron Monis 'would not have been on bail if domestic violence was taken as seriously as terrorism'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/17/man-haron-monis-bail-domestic-violence-taken-seriously-terrorism|access-date=24 December 2014|work=The Guardian|date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224035707/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/17/man-haron-monis-bail-domestic-violence-taken-seriously-terrorism|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A columnist noted that while his behaviour highlighted an "epidemic" of violence towards women, the media focus remained on terrorism.<ref name=Price>{{cite news|last1=Price|first1=Jenna|title=Martin Place siege puts spotlight on another enemy: violence against women|url=https://www.smh.com.au/comment/martin-place-siege-puts-spotlight-on-another-enemy-violence-against-women-20141222-12c2q5.html|access-date=23 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223103647/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/martin-place-siege-puts-spotlight-on-another-enemy-violence-against-women-20141222-12c2q5.html|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Historians of religion and politics also critically reviewed the role of violence committed in the name of religion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2014/12/29/4155401.htm|title=Islam, Actually: Telling the Truth about Religion and Violence in the Wake of the Sydney Siege|last=Milani|first=Milad|date=29 December 2014|work=]|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152931/http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2014/12/29/4155401.htm|archive-date=4 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Media===
Debate followed about the difficulty of managing a police operation in the presence of continuous global media coverage<ref name=Duffy>{{cite news|last1=Duffy|first1=Conor|title=Sydney siege: Social media could hamper police operations, being exploited by modern terrorists, expert says|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/sydney-siegesocial-media-a-liability-says-expert/5971622|access-date=31 December 2014|issue=ABC News|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230133041/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/sydney-siegesocial-media-a-liability-says-expert/5971622|archive-date=30 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> as well as the likely damage caused by the spread of rumour.<ref name="https://theconversation.com/how-rumours-about-the-sydney-siege-spread-on-social-media-35536">{{cite journal|last1=Hermida|first1=Alfred|title=How rumours about the Sydney siege spread on social media|journal=The Conversation|date=16 December 2014|url=https://theconversation.com/how-rumours-about-the-sydney-siege-spread-on-social-media-35536|access-date=1 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101021557/https://theconversation.com/how-rumours-about-the-sydney-siege-spread-on-social-media-35536|archive-date=1 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Posetti>{{cite journal|last1=Posetti|first1=Julie|title=Q&A: how the Sydney siege was reported by the public and news professionals|journal=The Conversation|date=16 December 2014|url=https://theconversation.com/qanda-how-the-sydney-siege-was-reported-by-the-public-and-news-professionals-35518|access-date=1 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101021747/https://theconversation.com/qanda-how-the-sydney-siege-was-reported-by-the-public-and-news-professionals-35518|archive-date=1 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Particular criticism was levelled at ] and ] for spreading false information as well as for insensitivity and "gross ethical violations".<ref name=Posetti/><ref name=Murdoch>{{cite news|title=Sydney siege: Rupert Murdoch criticised over 'heartless' congratulations tweet|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/sydney-siege-rupert-murdoch-criticised-over-heartless-congratulations-tweet-9927863.html|access-date=1 January 2015|work=The Independent (UK)|date=16 December 2014|location=London|first=Ella|last=Alexander|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101030438/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/sydney-siege-rupert-murdoch-criticised-over-heartless-congratulations-tweet-9927863.html|archive-date=1 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="NewsCorpTheConversation"/> Commissioner Scipione and chair of the ], Professor ] released statements about the media coverage after the event.<ref name="NewsCorpTheConversation">{{cite web|last1=Muller|first1=Dennis|title=News Corp's siege coverage built on a 'take-no-prisoners' culture|url=https://theconversation.com/news-corps-siege-coverage-built-on-a-take-no-prisoners-culture-35656|website=The Conversation|access-date=1 January 2015|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106223332/https://theconversation.com/news-corps-siege-coverage-built-on-a-take-no-prisoners-culture-35656|archive-date=6 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Beyond misinformation, concerns were raised regarding the presentation of crises as entertainment.<ref name=Vanstone>{{cite news|last1=Vanstone|first1=Amanda|author-link=Amanda Vanstone|title=Treating the Sydney siege horror as real-time entertainment eroded our humanity|url=https://www.smh.com.au/comment/treating-the-sydney-siege-horror-as-realtime-entertainment-eroded-our-humanity-20141221-12aq9o.html|access-date=23 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222055954/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/treating-the-sydney-siege-horror-as-realtime-entertainment-eroded-our-humanity-20141221-12aq9o.html|archive-date=22 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=Gittins>{{cite news|last1=Gittins|first1=Ross|author-link=Ross Gittins|title=Free emotions come with price tag|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/free-emotions-come-with-price-tag-20141221-12bbpd.html|access-date=31 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231000456/http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/free-emotions-come-with-price-tag-20141221-12bbpd.html|archive-date=31 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

]'s ] aired a two-part broadcast, interviewing former hostages, and the families of deceased Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kenny |first1=Mark |title=Lindt Cafe siege police too slow: former SAS commander Andrew Hastie |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/lindt-cafe-siege-police-too-slow-former-sas-commander-andrew-hastie-20170530-gwggj5.html |access-date=9 July 2021 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=30 May 2017 |language=en |quote=His comments followed the airing of a two-part Four Corners investigation into the Lindt Cafe siege featuring former hostages, and the families of victims Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson. Both families expressed extreme frustration at the refusal of NSW Police to take earlier action to resolve the deadly stand-off.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Siege – Part One |last1=Ferguson |first1=Sarah |author1-link=Sarah Ferguson (journalist) |url=https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/the-lindt-cafe-siege-promo-ep-1/8529894 |website=Four Corners |publisher=] |access-date=9 July 2021 |language=en-AU |date=22 May 2017 |quote=Background Information, Transcript }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Siege Part Two |last1=Ferguson |first1=Sarah |author1-link=Sarah Ferguson (journalist) |url=https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/the-siege-part-two/8550542 |website=Four Corners |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=9 July 2021 |language=en-AU |date=29 May 2017 |quote=Background Information, Transcript}}</ref>

==Memorials and legacy==
]
A month after the siege, police, ambulance workers, firefighters and others were officially thanked at ].<ref name=Hashammonth>{{cite news|last1=Hasham|first1=Nicole|title=Sydney siege aftermath: Emergency workers thanked for efforts in Martin Place|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-emergency-workers-thanked-for-efforts-in-martin-place-20150116-12rrz0.html|access-date=17 January 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924215025/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-aftermath-emergency-workers-thanked-for-efforts-in-martin-place-20150116-12rrz0.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Memorial plaques were placed inside the reopened Lindt café.<ref name="Visentin1"/> A permanent memorial to the victims of the siege incorporated the flowers from Martin Place, which were to be mulched and incorporated into its garden element.<ref name=Han>{{cite news|last1=Han|first1=Misa|title=Sydney siege: Martin Place memorial plans unveiled|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-martin-place-memorial-plans-unveiled-20150111-12lt3w.html|access-date=14 January 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113175604/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-martin-place-memorial-plans-unveiled-20150111-12lt3w.html|archive-date=13 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The memorial was opened in December, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-16/sydney-siege-memorial-unveiled-in-martin-place/9265332|title=Sydney siege memorial unveiled in Martin Place, three years after deadly terrorist incident|date=16 March 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315232157/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-16/sydney-siege-memorial-martin-place-plans-stall/8357734|archive-date=15 March 2017|language=en-AU|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The premiere of ]'s choral piece ''Street Requiem'' in February 2015 was dedicated to the siege victims and to those who died in the ] in Paris.<ref name="Tan1">{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Su-Lin|title=Lindt cafe siege, Charlie Hebdo victims to be remembered at Sydney concert|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-charlie-hebdo-victims-to-be-remembered-at-sydney-concert-20150214-13ezeb.html|access-date=17 February 2015|work=The SydneyMorning Herald|date=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924211936/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-cafe-siege-charlie-hebdo-victims-to-be-remembered-at-sydney-concert-20150214-13ezeb.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Composer ], who resides less than a kilometre from the Lindt Café, wrote two works influenced by the events. ''Sea of Flowers'' was premiered by conductor ] and the ] in May 2015.<ref>{{Citation|title=Sea Of Flowers From Untitled (Dec 2014) QSO De La Parra|url=https://soundcloud.com/lyle-chan-president/sea-of-flowers-from-untitled|language=en|access-date=6 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/live-reviews/review-qso-alondra-de-la-parra-qso-current|title=Review: QSO & Alondra de la Parra (QSO Current)|website=limelightmagazine.com.au|language=en|access-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009201423/http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/live-reviews/review-qso-alondra-de-la-parra-qso-current|archive-date=9 October 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Chan's ''Love Is Always Born (December)'', with original words by ] and 'Silent Night' in Arabic, was commissioned and premiered by the Song Company at concerts around the first anniversary of the events.<ref>{{Citation|title=Love Is Always Born|url=https://soundcloud.com/lyle-chan/love-is-always-born|language=en|access-date=6 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lylechan.com/compositions/love-is-always-born-michael-leunig/|title=Love is always born (Michael Leunig)|date=23 October 2015|work=Lyle Chan|access-date=6 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425234552/http://www.lylechan.com/compositions/love-is-always-born-michael-leunig/|archive-date=25 April 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Dawson's family created the Katrina Dawson Foundation and scholarships to ] to provide financial assistance to young women for their university education.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/katrina-dawsons-legacy--creating-something-positive-out-of-horror-20151204-glfj75|title=Katrina Dawson's legacy – creating something positive out of horror|last=Davies|first=Lisa|date=5 December 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> The first recipients started university in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/katrina-dawson-foundation-scholarship-recipients-announced-20160304-gnadzl.html|title=Katrina Dawson Foundation scholarship recipients announced|last=Davies|first=Lisa|date=5 March 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305213024/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/katrina-dawson-foundation-scholarship-recipients-announced-20160304-gnadzl.html|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This scholarship is fitting given that Katrina Dawson achieved a perfect ] of 100 in the year .

Senator ], a homosexual Liberal Party member, changed his views on ] due to Tori Johnson and his partner of 14 years.<ref name=marriage>{{cite news|title=Liberal MP Dean Smith's views on same-sex marriage turned at 30,000ft|author=Knott, Matthew|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberal-mp-dean-smiths-views-on-samesex-marriage-turned-at-30000ft-20150220-137spm.html|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 February 2015|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221035945/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberal-mp-dean-smiths-views-on-samesex-marriage-turned-at-30000ft-20150220-137spm.html|archive-date=21 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Smith later introduced a ] to the Senate,<ref>{{cite news|title=Australian Senate debates gays rights in marriage bill|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/world/australian-senate-debates-gays-rights-marriage-bill-article-1.3634133|access-date=19 November 2017|work=NY Daily News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116053741/http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/world/australian-senate-debates-gays-rights-marriage-bill-article-1.3634133|archive-date=16 November 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> which became law.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senate passes same-sex marriage bill|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/samesex-marriage-bill-set-to-pass-the-senate/news-story/77e3a18b6f990ee542a96d9e75ff0c5d|access-date=17 December 2017|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110054811/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/samesex-marriage-bill-set-to-pass-the-senate/news-story/77e3a18b6f990ee542a96d9e75ff0c5d|archive-date=10 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

A ceremony unveiling the memorial was held on 16 December 2017.<ref name="The Guardian"/>

The Lindt Café closed in October 2021 due to lack of patronage caused by the ] and ongoing construction work for the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-21 |title=Sydney's Lindt Cafe - scene of deadly 2014 terrorist attack - to close for good |url=https://7news.com.au/news/nsw/sydneys-lindt-cafe-in-martin-place-to-close-for-good-after-suffering-during-pandemic-c-4299178 |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=7NEWS |language=en}}</ref> A ] wine cellar opened at the site of the café in July 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-12-08 |title=Ten years on from Sydney's Lindt Cafe siege, the man tasked with investigating has a warning: it could happen again |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/dec/08/sydney-lindt-cafe-siege-ten-year-anniversary-ntwnfb |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Australian Associated Press |language= |issn=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Attanasio |first=Joe |date=2023-07-27 |title=Dan Murphy's unveils luxury liquor store at site of former Lindt Cafe in Martin Place |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/dan-murphys-opens-location-of-former-lindt-cafe-in-martin-place-where-deadly-siege-was-held-in-2014/47eefa01-7c49-41b0-9a55-c42d2e02b413 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=9News}}</ref>

As part of the ], 32 members of the ] and ] service were awarded the ].<ref name=":March Bravery GBC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/BD100%20-%20GBC%20Media%20Notes%20for%20GG%20website%20%28cleared%20HBSM%2026032024%29.PDF|title = Australian Gazette}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
*] {{Portal|Crime|Australia}}
*] * ]
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==References== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last1=Snow |first1=Deborah |title=Siege |date=July 2018 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |isbn=9781760296933 |pages=328 |url=https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/academic-professional/sociology/Siege-Deborah--Snow-9781760296933 |access-date=24 June 2018}}
*'Officer A' (author's full name subject to a New South Wales Coronial Suppression Order) (October 2022) Tiger! Tiger! Tiger! The Lindt Café Siege. The End Authority Limited, ISBN 9780473655990. Retrieved 2 May 2023.


==External links== ==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|2014 Sydney hostage crisis}}


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{{Portal bar|Australia|New South Wales|Islam}}

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Latest revision as of 02:55, 22 December 2024

Terror hostage-taking in 2014 in Sydney, Australia

Lindt Cafe siege
Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, Sydney
Map indicating the location of the incident. Martin Place is denoted in blue, towards the centre of the map.
LocationMartin Place, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates33°52′04.6″S 151°12′40″E / 33.867944°S 151.21111°E / -33.867944; 151.21111
Date15–16 December 2014
9:44am – 2:44am (AEDT, UTC+11:00)
TargetCafe staff and customers
Attack typeTerrorism, hostage taking
WeaponsSawn-off shotgun
Deaths3 (including the perpetrator)
Injured4
Victims18 hostages
PerpetratorMan Haron Monis
MotiveIslamic extremism
InquirySydney siege inquest
CoronerMagistrate Michael Barnes, NSW State Coroner
Part of a series on
Terrorism in Australia
Notable attacks
Notable plots
Counter-terrorism
Legislation

Raids

The Lindt Café siege was a terrorist attack that occurred on 15–16 December 2014 when a lone gunman, Man Haron Monis, held ten customers and eight employees of a Lindt Chocolate Café hostage in the APA Building in Martin Place, Sydney, Australia.

The Sydney siege led to a 16-hour standoff, after which a gunshot was heard from inside and police officers from the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) stormed the café. Hostage Tori Johnson was killed by Monis and hostage Katrina Dawson was killed by a police bullet ricochet in the subsequent raid. Monis was also killed. Three other hostages and a police officer were injured by police gunfire during the raid.

Police have been criticised over their handling of the siege for not taking proactive action earlier, for the deaths of hostages at the end of the siege, and for the lack of negotiation during the siege. Hostage Marcia Mikhael called radio station 2GB during the siege and said, "They have not negotiated, they've done nothing. They have left us here to die."

Early on, hostages were seen holding a Jihadist flag against the window of the café, featuring the shahādah creed. Initially, many media organisations mistook it for the flag used by the Islamic State (IS); Monis later demanded that an IS flag be brought to him. Monis also unsuccessfully demanded to speak to the Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott, live on radio. Monis was described by Abbott as having indicated a "political motivation," but the eventual assessment was that the gunman was "a very unusual case—a rare mix of extremism, mental health problems and plain criminality."

In the aftermath of the siege, Muslim groups issued a joint statement in which they condemned the incident, and memorial services were held in the city at the nearby St Mary's Cathedral and St James' Church. Condolence books were set up in other Lindt cafés and the community turned Martin Place into a "field of flowers." The Martin Place Lindt café was severely damaged during the police raid, closed afterwards, then renovated for reopening in March 2015.

Events

Prior to event

An anonymous call was made to Australia's anti-terrorism hotline 48 hours before the siege, raising concerns about the content of Monis's website. On his website, Monis had pledged allegiance to "the caliph of the Muslims", believed to be referring to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and denounced moderate Islam. It has been reported that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation followed up on the call by reviewing the website and Monis's posts on social media but found nothing to indicate that he was likely to commit an act of violence.

Hostage-taking and negotiations

Onlookers in Martin Place during the siege of the Lindt Café
Hostages were forced to hold a copy of this flag against windows

Monis entered the Lindt Chocolate Café at 53 Martin Place, Sydney, at 8:33 am Sydney local time (AEDT) on 15 December 2014 (UTC+11). The café was located directly across from the Seven News television studios, and near the Reserve Bank of Australia, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac bank, and Martin Place underground train station.

The hostage situation began at 9:44 am, when Monis forced Tori Johnson, the manager of the café, to phone 000.

Monis was bearded, wearing a black cap and wearing a black headband with the inscription, in Arabic: "We are ready to sacrifice for you, O Mohammad." He was carrying a blue sports bag, and armed with a sawed-off pump-action shotgun. The shotgun was old but could fire four shots in five seconds.

Monis used hostages as human shields. He had chained and locked the automatic sliding glass doors of the café.

Monis claimed there were four "devices" located around Sydney. Then New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said that none of the alleged devices were found during searches. Monis also demanded that a hostage ask all media to broadcast that "this is an attack on Australia by the Islamic State". In addition, he demanded that an Islamic State flag be delivered to him, although the request was never fulfilled.

Hostages were ordered to hold up a Black Standard flag, with the shahādah in white Arabic letters (an Islamic creed declaring: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of God"), against the window of the café. Some news reports initially mistook it for the flag used by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Monis demanded to speak to the Australian Prime Minister live on radio, but this demand was rejected. This was relayed by hostage Marcia Mikhael, who said that she "lost it" when told that the Prime Minister was too busy, saying, "I don't care what is doing right now...I'm sure there's nothing more important happening in Australia...than the lives of the people in this café..."

Mamdouh Habib said he knew Monis well and offered to help the NSWPF negotiate with him. He believed that Monis was "sick and disturbed" over his failure to gain access to his children, and said Monis could trust him to get his message out. Lawyer Manny Conditsis had represented Monis and had also offered help because he said that Monis respected what he had to say to him. Barrister Michael Klooster who had met Monis in the cafe before the siege called the police at 2:17 pm. Other Muslim leaders also offered to help, including the Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohamed.

All such offers were rejected by the police because they had no control over what the untrained negotiators might say or do. However, Mikhael said that after the request to speak to the Prime Minister was refused: "It was then that I knew that there was not going to be any negotiation and we were just left there. ...They were waiting for him to kill someone or shoot something so they come in. ...There was nothing proactive about that operation, nothing."

Belinda Neil, who was a negotiator for the NSW Police, stated that in negotiations, "e want to try and talk to the hostage-taker. ...e want to find out why he's there, why is he doing this, and we don't just go into this situation hoping to resolve it in half an hour." This approach would be consistent with the Behavioral Change Stairway Model. However, Mikhael stated that no such negotiation took place. Habib said that he called both the NSWPF and the Attorney General twice during the raid, but they did not return his calls. Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione confirmed during the siege that "we're not dealing directly with him ... we do not have direct contact with the offender."

Several hostages made contact with media outlets and relayed Monis' demands to them. At the request of the New South Wales Police Force, they were not published during the siege. The social media profiles of the hostages were also used to relay demands.

At 1:43 am Tori Johnson texted his family "He's increasingly agitated, walks around when he hears a noise outside with a hostage in front of him. Wants to release one person in good faith, tell police." This was reported to the police ten minutes later.

During the early stages of the siege, the Australian Government and the NSW authorities did not label the event as a terrorist attack; However, as the siege continued, NSW Police authorised the engagement of the state's counter-terrorism task force, treating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Escape of first five hostages

Crowds outside the Tiffany & Co. store in Martin Place during the evening

At around 3:37 pm, two hostages, John O'Brien and barrister Stefan Balafoutis, escaped from the front entrance of the building, followed by a third hostage, café employee Paolo Vassallo, who ran out from a fire exit at the side of the building. At around 4:58 pm, two female hostages, both employees, Jieun Bae and Elly Chen, escaped by running from another entrance of the building and were met by Tactical Operations Unit officers.

Monis was unaware that Jieun Bae and Elly Chen had escaped. Jarrod Morton-Hoffman made noise to cover their exit and persuaded Monis that media reports of five hostages escaping were wrong. After the escape, Monis threatened to kill hostages.

The police State Technical Investigation Branch planted a covert listening device in the café during the night. At one point, the device picked up Monis saying that he wanted to kill any escaping hostages.

Breach and hostage rescue

At 2:03 am on 16 December, a "very loud bang" was heard as Monis shot towards six hostages fleeing from the building. At 2:11 am Monis fired a shot towards the kitchen, and was heard on the police listening device reloading his shotgun. The hostage Fiona Ma then escaped through the front door, and two Tactical Operations Unit teams were ordered to move very slowly towards the two entrances.

At 2:14 am, four minutes after the Tactical operations teams were ordered in, Monis shot Tori Johnson in the back of the head, killing him. The execution was witnessed by TOU sniper Sierra 3-1, who reported a hostage down. TOU Operators armed with M4A1 carbines threw eleven stun grenades as they stormed the café.

Monis was shot in the head. TOU Officer A – later identified as Ben Besant, whose identity was the subject of a suppression order only lifted in 2024 – stated that "I watched the (Carbine) laser ... from the centre of his chest go to his head and his head exploded and he fell". Besant fired a total of 17 rounds, and Officer B fired 5 additional rounds. Some fragments of those rounds killed hostage Katrina Dawson. Three other hostages and TOU Officer B were injured by crossfire.

Police declared the siege over soon after, later confirming that Monis was killed in the hostage rescue. Two hostages had died, and another three were injured by police bullets. TOU Officer B, whose face was grazed by a police bullet, was discharged from hospital later in the day.

At the inquest, Counsel assisting the coroner, Jeremy Gormley SC, said, "No shot fired by Mr Monis, other than the one that struck and killed Mr Johnson, struck anyone." Mitchell McAlister, who was a TAG East assaulter with the 2nd Commando Tactical Assault Group questioned the police use of M4A1 carbines with 5.56mm NATO rounds. Carbine rounds could have "dangerous effects in a dense and enclosed environment." It was initially unclear why 22 shots were fired by police, of which 13 hit Monis. The rounds were continuously fired in the belief that the hostage taker could reach for a bomb trigger.

Flag raids

At around 2:00 pm on 15 December, police contacted Rebecca Kay, a member of the Muslim community, and asked her to help source an ISIS flag for Monis. Kay contacted many people in the Muslim community but ultimately the police sourced their own flag. However, the flag was never given to Monis.

The following day, NSW and Federal Police raided three homes of people who had been contacted in the attempt to source the flag. Kay assumes that her conversations had been monitored. Kay said she would help police in another crisis, but "with this incident they have not built trust at all. You don't understand...the fear that create, and how they stalk...members of our community..." Lawyer Zali Burrows questioned the purpose of the police contacting Kay in the first place, stating, "Why didn't they just print ?"

Police strategy

The NSW Police Force followed a "contain and negotiate" strategy to avoid any direct action unless a hostage was killed or injured. They decided that this strategy could deliver a "peaceful negotiated outcome" because Monis had not harmed any hostages, despite having threatened to do so. Monis had not reacted violently to the escape of five hostages on two separate occasions, or due to none of his demands being met. Further, Monis claimed to have a bomb, and "if the bomb was triggered, all of those inside the cafe and those attempting a rescue were not likely to survive". At 8:20 pm and again at 11:35 pm, the head of the Tactical Operations Unit attempted to persuade the other commanders to take a "Deliberate Action" plan and storm the cafe. This plan was overruled by Task Force Pioneer commanders and Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins due to the danger to the hostages and police officers. TOU snipers could not fire due to "the narrow windows, the moving around of Monis, the risk to hostages if there was a missed shot, (and) the position of the snipers behind glass".

At 11 am, Operational Commander Mick Fuller approved negotiations for the release of half of the 18 hostages in return for Monis being allowed to talk on ABC radio. However, the Negotiation Commander decided not to do so because it conflicted with a standing policy to not negotiate with terrorists.

The first negotiator was not told that the Grand Mufti of Australia and a barrister who represented Monis had offered to help negotiate with Monis. He only found out about Monis's demand for the ABC to broadcast that Australia was under attack after a Facebook post from one of the hostages was read out on radio 2GB. Monis had also demanded that the Christmas lights be turned off. The first negotiator thought that doing this would have provided an opportunity to bargain with Monis, but did not hear back from commanders as to whether it was possible so "discarded" the option.

He was then relieved by a second negotiator, but did not tell him about the demand that the Christmas lights be turned off. Hostage Selina Win Pe told the second negotiator Monis wanted to know why it hadn't happened. It was later revealed an Ausgrid team had assembled to switch off the lights, but was sent home.

A third negotiator later said that he did not have the Christmas lights turned off because he had to have reassurance that the hostage taker would not carry out his threat to kill Win Pe. He said there was some "step-by-step" process to have the hostages released (after nineteen hours). Jenkins says he would have liked the Christmas lights turned off quickly, and was unaware that this had been found to be possible. Jenkins was also not told about the Johnson text near the end of the siege that Monis wanted to release a hostage.

The Negotiation Unit leader did not think Monis would hurt anyone because Monis had told people inside the cafe that everyone would go home once Prime Minister Tony Abbott called. The team leader later conceded that Abbott was never going to call. An unnamed civilian Forensic Psychologist was the consultant for NSW Police. The psychiatrist gave forensic advice that Monis was probably undertaking a grandiose act to be recognised as a figure of great infamy rather than wishing to hurt anyone. He doubted that Monis actually represented ISIS because he did not have the correct flag, nor that his actions were politically motivated. The psychiatrist warned that "a wounded narcissist is a dangerous specimen" as none of Monis's demands were met.

Timeline of events

8:33 am Monis enters the cafe.
9:44 am Monis draws a shotgun, orders doors locked.
11:00 am Operational Commander Mick Fuller approves negotiations for the release of half of the 18 hostages in return for Monis being allowed to talk on ABC radio. However, the negotiation commander decided not to do so because it conflicted with a standing policy not to negotiate with terrorists.
3:37 pm Three hostages escape.
4:58 pm Two more hostages escape.
5:00 pm Negotiators call Monis, answered by hostage Mikhael, indicate they knew Monis' identity. Monis did not like being referred to as Sheik Haron.
5:55 pm Monis frustrated his message not getting out, hostages suggest uploading to Facebook and YouTube.
8:38 pm Mikhael asked for Christmas lighting to be turned off.
10:30 pm Ausgrid team assemble to switch off Christmas lights, but sent home.
10:30 pm Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins and a "forward commander" hold a teleconference saying they will continue to "contain and (in theory) negotiate".
12:30 am Four calls from hostage Win Pe to negotiators go unanswered. She calls 000 and says she will be shot if the Christmas lights are not turned off.
1:43 am Johnson texts family that Monis is becoming increasingly agitated and wants to release one hostage in good faith.
2:03 am Monis moves hostages around the cafe, six hostages take the opportunity to flee. Monis fires first shot.
2:13 am Monis executes hostage Johnson. Fiona Ma escapes.
2:13 am Tactical Operations Unit breach the cafe. TOU neutralise Monis. Hitting Dawson. Crossfire wounding three other hostages and a TOU Operator.

Hostages

Authorities did not release an estimate of the number of hostages inside the café during the siege. After the siege, a total of 18 hostages was confirmed—eight staff and ten customers of the café including lawyers and Westpac employees with offices close by. Initial estimates varied, with some significantly overestimating the number.

Tori Johnson, the 34-year-old manager of the café, died after being shot in the head by Monis. Katrina Dawson, a 38-year-old barrister, was killed by crossfire when she was hit by seven police bullet fragments. Dawson was lying behind a chair that was hit by 10 bullets.

Three hostages and TOU Officer B were wounded by police crossfire during the raid. The three hostages were Marcia Mikhael, who was shot in the leg; Robyn Hope, a 75-year-old woman who was shot in the shoulder; and Louisa Hope, her 52-year-old daughter, who was shot in the foot. All three were in a stable condition after treatment. Paolo Vassallo, one of the five hostages who initially escaped the scene, was hospitalised for a pre-existing condition. The other hostages were identified as John O'Brien, Stefan Balafoutis, Elly Chen, Jieun Bae, Harriette Denny, Viswakanth Ankireddy, Joel Herat, Fiona Ma, Jarrod Hoffman, Puspendu Ghosh, Selina Win Pe, and Julie Taylor.

Memorial services for Johnson and Dawson were held on 23 December: Johnson's in the morning at St Stephen's Uniting Church, Sydney, and Dawson's in the afternoon in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney. Interviews with some of the hostages were later recorded for television and broadcast, amid some controversy.

Evacuations and closures

Police blocking Martin Place near Lindt café
Road closures on King Street
Desolated George Street during the siege

After the siege began, a staged exclusion zone was established with thousands of people evacuated from nearby buildings. Including the floors above the café. The Sydney Opera House was evacuated after a suspicious package was found; however, reports were unconfirmed by police. The US Consulate General in Sydney, located in Martin Place, was evacuated. Some Sydney schools were put in "white level lockout" due to the hostage situation, which meant that no school group was permitted to leave the school grounds.

Police advised people in the area bounded by Hunter, George, Elizabeth, and Macquarie streets, bordering Martin Place, to remain indoors and away from windows. Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ closed their CBD branches for the day. The State Library was also closed. Numerous other buildings, including David Jones stores, executive offices for the New South Wales Parliament, criminal courts for the Supreme Court, the Downing Centre, and "several city legal chambers" were evacuated, as were the facilities of the Seven Network, situated directly across from the café, forcing The Morning Show to suspend transmission. Police established an emergency centre in nearby Hyde Park in response to the unfolding situation with emergency services sent to the staging post to respond to any immediate threats. Evacuees were relocated to the area as a safety precaution.

Trains did not stop at Martin Place railway station during the incident. Transport for NSW advised people to stay away from the CBD. Road closures prevented southbound access to the Cahill Expressway, York Street, and Harbour Street, and northbound access to the Cahill Expressway, and all traffic was diverted to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. On the morning of 16 December, road diversions remained in place and Martin Place train station remained closed. In the evening of 16 December, Elizabeth Street, Macquarie Street and Hunter Street were opened to traffic.

Uber fares for travel in Sydney surged during the event under the company's dynamic pricing system, which led to criticism. Uber subsequently refunded excessive fares and provided free rides out of the CBD.

Monis in an undated photograph

Perpetrator

Main article: Man Haron Monis

Iranian-born Monis was identified as the hostage-taker and named early on the morning of 16 December.

In September 2009, Monis was convicted for criminal use of the postal service to "menace, harass or cause offence", for a campaign protesting the presence of Australian troops in Afghanistan, by writing letters to the families of soldiers killed there, in which he called the soldiers murderers. On 12 December, three days before the siege, Monis lost his appeal against his conviction and was sentenced to 300 hours of community service. Monis had been charged with accessory to murder relating to the death of his former wife who was found stabbed eighteen times, and set alight, on 21 April 2013 at a unit block in Werrington. However, on 12 December 2013, Magistrate William Pierce said "It is a weak case" and granted Monis bail. In November 2016, Amirah Droudis was found guilty, in a judge-only trial, of the murder of Monis's ex-wife and sentenced to 44 years' jail.

Monis also had numerous charges of sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, and common assault. On 14 April 2014, Monis was charged with three sexual assault offences against a woman and remanded in custody. He was granted bail on 26 May, six days after the Bail Act in New South Wales was rewritten based on recommendations by the New South Wales Law Reform Commission. On 10 October, he was charged with another 40 sexual assault offences against six more women, and his bail was continued.

Jeremy Gormly SC, counsel assisting the inquest, summarised Monis as "a complex, disturbed individual desperate for recognition and status but completely lacking the skills or achievements to bring that dream to life". Gormly summarised that "Monis could be plausible, courteous and controlled, but he was also almost entirely consumed in his own self-importance. ... By 2014, he owned no property, was in debt, and had developed no employment skills. His attempts to develop a personal, religious following ... had failed. ... He was facing future serious criminal charges... he had made no public impact of note on the Australian political scene". Monis may have felt that he had "little left to live for".

No weapons were found when police raided his home in 2013. From 1997 to 2000, Monis held a security guard licence, which would have let him carry a pistol between March and June 1997. The weapon that Monis used, a sawn-off French-made Manufrance La Salle pump-action shotgun, was more than 50 years old. Police believe the weapon was imported in the 1950s, when no registration was required. Monis had 23 shotgun cartridges of different brands on him, between 15 and 20 years old.

Reactions

Leaders

The Prime Minister convened the National Security Committee of Cabinet to give briefings on the situation and said "Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner." He later said, "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", and "Australians should be reassured by the way our law enforcement and security agencies responded to this brush with terrorism."

The Premier of New South Wales, Mike Baird, addressed the media during the stand-off, and stated "we are being tested today... in Sydney. The police are being tested, the public is being tested, but whatever the test we will face it head on and we will remain a strong democratic, civil society. I have full confidence in the Police Commissioner and the incredible work of the NSW police force.

The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, on the morning of 16 December, urged Australians to see this as a "one-off event", stating, "We're an inclusive multicultural community and we need to deal with this together". Governor-General of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove, released a statement sympathising with the families, commending the work of the police involved, and urging Australians to "unite in our resolve to protect what we value most—our way of life, our care and respect for each other".

Community

Members of the public sign condolence books in Martin Place after the siege

Thousands of people visited the site in the first few days after the incident to pay tribute to the victims. Among them were members of the families of Dawson and Johnson. Johnson's father was accompanied by rabbis Levi Wolff and Zalmen Kastel, Hindu priest Pandit Ramachandra, the Reverend Bill Crews and Sheikh Wesam Charkawi. Dawson's young daughter left her own note.

Chalk messages written on Martin Place after the event

Flags on all NSW government buildings, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, flew at half-mast to honour the hostages who lost their lives at the café.

A magistrate who had granted Monis bail and the lawyers who had represented him in his court appearances received death threats in the days after the attack. This reaction was described by the Bar Association as "understandable but wrong-headed", as magistrates have to deal with cases as they come before them on the basis of the law at the time.

#illridewithyou campaign

During and immediately following the incident, some in the community expressed concern about an increased potential for violence or intimidation directed at Muslims in Australia. For example, the head of the Australian Muslim Women's Association told the media there was an increase in anti-Muslim messages being posted on social media. Due to this concern among some local social media users, many started using the hashtag #illridewithyou . This sought to offer solidarity and emotional support to Muslims travelling alone on public transport by people tweeting their bus/train route and suggesting that they would be willing to "ride with" anyone who might feel threatened. More than 150,000 people indicated their support of the concept by using the hashtag. The campaign was initially inspired by a Facebook status update about offering to walk with a woman who had removed her head covering. The campaign received international attention, including from United States President Barack Obama, although federal National Party member of Parliament George Christensen criticised the campaign for creating "false victims" out of Muslims and thereby taking attention away from the hostages.

"Field of Flowers"
Martin Place on 19 December 2014

"Field of flowers"

On the morning of 16 December, after police declared the crisis to be over, a makeshift memorial began to take shape in Martin Place. From the first bunch of lilies, tributes developed into a field of flowers that "you can smell before you can see" and which was extensively reported and photographed. The Prime Minister and NSW Premier were among many in the community to lay flowers at the memorial in a demarcated space. Flowers were also taken to suburban Lindt shops.

Volunteers from the Rural Fire Service, the State Emergency Service and the Red Cross began clearing the flowers on 22 December after consultation with the families, because rain was expected. It was announced that the condolence books would be bound in several volumes and one complete copy provided to each family. The messages on the many cards were to be digitised. During the week after the siege, it was estimated that 110,000 bouquets were laid at Martin Place.

  • From the NSW Police Force From the NSW Police Force
  • Outside Selborne Chambers Outside Selborne Chambers
  • Floral tributes at the Lindt café in Westfield Miranda Floral tributes at the Lindt café in Westfield Miranda
  • Lindt's response to the shooting Lindt's response to the shooting

Religious organisations

During the siege, Sanier Dandan, president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, informed ABC News that Australian Muslim leaders were meeting online for discussions as to how the Muslim community could help with the situation. He added, "Regardless, we have a hostage situation. Whether he is someone who belongs to the Australian Muslim community or not, we are still waiting for information to be provided by police and based on that if there's something the Muslim community can do or assist, we are there."

One day after the siege, police blocked off the area of Martin Place involved

Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the Grand Mufti of Australia, condemned the incident in a statement released on 15 December. The same afternoon, around fifty Muslim groups issued a joint statement in which they condemned the incident. The Australian Ahmadiyya Muslim Association condemned the incident, the national president saying that "such actions are criminal and totally contrary to the teachings of Islam." Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawqi Allam also condemned the attack.

Order of Service of memorial for Dawson and Johnson in St James' Church on 19 December 2014

In Martin Place, the 2014 traditional Hanukkah menorah presented a message of support: "May the lights of the festival of Hanukkah bring comfort and warmth to our nation".

The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, invoked the special prayers in the Roman Missal from the "Mass in times of civil disturbance" and a memorial service was held at St Mary's Cathedral, on the morning of 19 December.

St James' Church, which had been within the exclusion zone, held a "Service of Remembrance and Reflection" on the afternoon of 19 December. The service was attended by about 400 people, most of them members of the legal profession.

International

During the siege, a spokesman for the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird, said, "We urge all Canadians in Sydney to use extra precaution and limit their movements as authorities handle this situation."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, strongly condemned the taking of hostages as "inhuman" and also stated that the Australian authorities had been repeatedly warned about Monis.

United States President Barack Obama called the Prime Minister to express his condolences on behalf of the United States. According to the White House, Obama praised the "Australian public's embrace of #illridewithyou and the Muslim leaders who have disavowed the actions of the hostage taker", and "Australia's rejection of any violence taken in the name of religion and the fear this violence seeks to stoke." The President also conveyed the United States' willingness to provide assistance in the aftermath of the situation. United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, said the United States stood ready to provide Australia with any assistance required in "determining the facts of the case, assisting the victims and holding accountable anyone and everyone responsible for this act of terror". Citing this event, the United States issued a global travel alert to its citizens, to be alert for possible terrorist attacks within public venues.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak also expressed their concern about the incident. In addition, the Israeli embassy in Australia stated that it stood with Australia in the face of terror.

Charitable foundations

Following the two deaths during the hostage situation, the Katrina Dawson Foundation was established, with the aim of supporting educational opportunities for women. The then Governor-General Quentin Bryce was a founding member. At his parents' request, a memorial fund for Johnson was used to raise money for mental health organisation Beyond Blue. The first donation, of $51,000, came from Lindt Australia.

Terrorist organizations

Two weeks after the siege, Dabiq, a magazine published by the ISIL editorialised on Monis's actions and attempted to claim him as one of their own, in a response that an expert described as "absolutely predictable". The magazine lauded Monis's actions and their effect on the city. The al Qaeda-produced magazine Inspire also praised Monis's actions.

Investigations

The crime scene two days after the siege
The Lindt cafe two days after with padding on the shattered windows
The cafe with a memorial to the victims on 7 January

A number of organisations announced formal investigations.

Police investigations include a "critical incident" investigation undertaken by NSW police; headed by Detective Inspector Angelo Memmolo and an enquiry conducted by the Australian Federal Police.

Federal and state governments announced a joint review to be led by Michael Thawley from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Blair Comley of the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Following the siege, officers from the New South Wales Police Force and the Australian Federal Police went to the Belmore home of Monis's partner Amirah Droudis, and removed property. Her bail was revoked after a hearing on 22 December 2014. Investigations by Australian security agencies and monitoring of suspects following the siege revealed increased "terror chatter".

Federal–State joint review

The findings of the Federal–State joint review were released on 22 February 2015. The report covered Monis's earlier interactions with the government, his access to firearms, and the government response to Monis including problems correlating his various aliases. The report's terms of reference did not cover the controversial police actions during the siege itself, such as the nature of the negotiations or the final assault.

The review found that the judgements made by government agencies were reasonable. It suggested only modest changes to laws and procedures, taking the view that "introducing substantial further controls involves a larger choice about the sort of society we wish to live in and is properly the province of the public and our elected representatives". The review found that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had conducted a thorough review of Monis in 2008/9 and found that he was not involved in politically motivated violence, nor had significant contact with groups of security concern. After receiving 18 calls from the public, ASIO reviewed Monis's Facebook page, which was considered not to indicate a threat. None of the calls related to any pending attack. The review found that there was no credible information that would indicate an attack. Monis had been granted bail while charged with several violent offences. However, bail laws had since been tightened in this regard. Monis obtained his firearm illegally and was never granted a license.

The review suggested, in addition to the reforms to the bail laws and "new programmes to counter violent extremism", that a review of immigration policies and visa applications should be undertaken. The review suggested that the gun that Monis used had lawfully entered the country, possibly as early as the 1950s, and had fallen into the "grey market" after not being included in the gun buyback schemes of 1996 and 2002.

Inquest

Main article: Sydney siege inquest

An inquest began as scheduled on 29 January 2015, presided over by the State Coroner, Michael Barnes. A Coronial Inquest is mandatory whenever people die in a police operation. The stated aim was "to determine how the deaths occurred, the factors that contributed to them and whether they could have been prevented".

The hearings were divided into blocks of a couple of weeks. The first, which started on 25 May 2015, queried people who knew Monis to get background information. The second started on 17 August 2015 to consider Monis' bail application. Further blocks that investigate how the police dealt with the siege itself were withheld from the public "in the interests of the families".

The findings of the inquest were released on 24 May 2017.

Aftermath

Designation of the event as terrorism

Further information: Definition of terrorism

Insurance declaration

Treasurer Joe Hockey declared the siege to be a "terrorist incident" under the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003. The Act means that insurance exclusions for terrorist incidents do not apply if such a declaration is made.

Debate on status as a terrorist event

Scholars and social commentators have debated whether Monis was a terrorist and whether his actions could be classified as an act of terrorism. There is doubt as to whether or not Monis fit the definition of a lone wolf terrorist.

Queensland University of Technology criminologist Mark Lauchs said it was important to not describe the siege as a "terrorist attack". Lauchs said Monis was simply a deranged person running a hostage situation. "This incident was not about religion and neither was it a terrorist attack, but given that perception by the paraphernalia Monis used." The Australian prime minister said, " had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism and mental instability...As the siege unfolded yesterday, he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL death cult."

Prof Greg Barton (from Deakin University) and Dr Clarke Jones (ANU) told the inquest that Monis was a loner and had mental health problems, and was desperate to attach himself to something. Clarke suggested that if the Rebels had accepted his membership then the siege might not have happened. Roger Shanahan from the Lowy Institute said that if Monis had followed ISIS direction he would have just killed everyone.

The chief of ASIO Duncan Lewis confirmed that he believed Monis to be a terrorist. However, former counter-terrorism adviser to the White House, Richard A. Clarke, said, "I don't think this was a lone wolf terrorist, I don't think this was a terrorist at all, I think this was someone who was committing suicide by police as a lot of people with mental problems do, and now, if they say they're a terrorist, if they say they're somehow associated with ISIS or Al Qaeda, it becomes a major event that shuts down the city and gets international attention. This was a person with a mental problem who tried to gain attention and succeeded, tried to shut down the city and succeeded, merely by putting up a flag that was something like the flag of ISIS."

The difference between terrorism and terrorising acts was noted in one analysis as "enormously important"—it added that in Monis's case, terrorism "was clearly an element, but he was coming to the end of his rope with a variety of legal processes; there was clearly some mental instability." One view was that his lack of ties to any movement did not preclude his being a terrorist as it is "an inclusive club". Another commentator said, "There can be also no doubt that his attack was a terrorist act, as defined under Australia's Criminal Code Act 1995" and that, "he was a terrorist, clearly influenced by IS".

One terrorism expert, Professor Greg Barton, described Monis's actions as those of a "lone wolf terrorist ... driven by a desire for attention and to be in the spotlight", and his use of the flag was described as "the only way" to instil fear on a global scale. Professor Michael Wesley, Director of the School of International, Political and Strategic Studies at the Australian National University said the attack "was very different from first-generation or second-generation terrorist attacks—but it was terrorism, and terrorism of a brutal and more unpredictable sort." Another view was that describing the gunman as a terrorist was misplaced and would only serve the interests of ISIL. The supervisor of terrorism and security analysis for Stratfor said that this hostage-incident exhibits many of the elements associated with grassroots terrorism. A criminologist said that the event "was not about religion and neither was it a terrorist attack but given that perception by the paraphernalia Monis used."

Conversely, Yassir Morsi, a researcher at the Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding in Australia, suggested that "before he flew the black flag, Monis was just a desperate man with a violent past" and that "he was just another gunman. ... the symbol (flag) rewrote Monis's violent past and gave grammar to his attack."

Monis had entered the cafe without an ISIS flag. ASIO's previous investigations had found no links between Monis and any terrorist group. When a News reporter met him before the crisis she thought Monis was "lost and confused" and "harmless". Habib said Monis was "sick and disturbed" and desperately seeking attention over his grievances with government officials that had nothing to do with terrorism.

In 2016, Monis was cited as one of a number of recent violent attackers who were mentally disturbed and operated under the justification of Islamist ideas or slogans. Other examples include the as-of-yet unidentified perpetrator of the Munich knife attack and Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, the perpetrator of the 2014 shootings at Parliament Hill, Ottawa. According to psychologists and psychiatrists who study radicalisation, jihad propaganda and calls to kill infidels can push mentally-ill individuals to act, even in the absence of direct or personal contact with radical Islamists.

In February 2017, United States President Donald Trump cited the Sydney siege as an example of what he claimed was deliberate underreporting of terrorist attacks by the media, notwithstanding that the event received "blanket coverage" in local and international news.

The coroner's finding

Following the Sydney siege inquest, in May 2017, the NSW Coroner Michael Barnes determined that "The siege was a terrorist incident."

Police weapons and tactics

During the siege, an Australian Army Tactical Assault Group East team at Holsworthy Barracks evaluated the floorplan of the cafe and gave advice to police. Mitchell McAlister, a former member of TAG East, questioned the police use of M4A1 carbines with 5.56 mm rounds over using Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns.

Katrina Dawson died from a fragment of a police bullet, and other hostages appear to have been hit by bullets that ricocheted off the concrete building. It was unclear why 22 shots were fired by police, of which 13 hit Monis. Police have been criticised for both the high powered weapons used and the number of shots fired.

Negotiation

During the siege, no significant effort was made to negotiate with Monis, as would normally be expected in a hostage situation in order to build a relationship with a gunman and persuade them to surrender. Instead, Monis received no encouragement or assistance from trained police negotiators.

Help was offered by the Muslim community including the Grand Mufti and Mamdouh Habib who had known Monis personally. Habib offered to help negotiate or provide background information to the police. These offers were not taken up.

It has been suggested that the police treatment of the siege as a terrorist attack may have led to errors such as making no attempt to negotiate with the gunman as would have been normal practice in other hostage situations. One commentator, Guy Rundle, questioned whether the police may have used a "crude rule" that "we don't negotiate with terrorists" that affected their procedures. It might also explain the choice of weapon in a small enclosure against a lone gunman. These factors may have directly led to the deaths of Johnson and Dawson.

ISIL flag

During the siege, police asked Muslims in Sydney to source an ISIL flag for Monis, before obtaining their own. The police later raided several houses of people contacted by Ms Kay who was attempting to find an ISIL flag. Ms Kay assumed that the phone calls had been monitored, and that the request had been solely to find out who she would contact, lowering trust in the NSW Police Force among Muslims.

Lack of detection

The security services have been criticised for not recognising that Monis was a threat, and for taking him off their watch list in 2008. This may have been because they overlooked key evidence, or it may have been because there was simply no evidence to collect. The federal-state joint review found that the relevant agencies' analysis had been reasonable.

Law and politics

After the siege, the revelation that the new Bail Act had allowed Monis to be granted bail sparked calls to further tighten the law; however, a review had already been conducted in the wake of earlier controversial bail releases, with the new law set "to take effect next year" (that is, on 28 January 2015). Former director of public prosecutions in New South Wales, Nicholas Cowdery, said he was not sure that the amended law would have changed anything in Monis's case, saying that "There will always be, unfortunately, some exceptional events which laws and controls put in place before the event could not have prevented". Homicide detectives sent a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) urging them to challenge the bail decision for Monis, but a commissioned officer did not pass it on to the DPP. Michael Esposito, writing for the Law Society of South Australia, noted that the shocking nature of the Sydney siege had the power to prompt reviews of bail laws across Australia.

Some commentators expressed concerns about immigration and citizenship processes. Monis's "confused agenda" meant that Amnesty International did not realise that he and Boroujerdim, who had sought help in 1997, were the same man until they went back through their records. In the absence of hard evidence, suggestions that Monis represented a growing trend of systemic failure, rather than being an aberration, were noted as dangerous to public confidence; to the separation of powers; to the idea of innocence till proven guilty and also to social cohesion by inviting suspicion of people from the Middle East.

In the week after the siege, it was revealed that John Robertson, NSW Opposition leader, had sent a letter which passed on a request made by Monis, a constituent in his Blacktown electorate, to the Department of Family and Community Services in 2011. The letter was, according to Robertson, routine procedure on behalf of a constituent and written in support of Monis's request for a supervised visit with his children on Father's Day despite an apprehended violence order against him. The Department declined Monis's request. As pressure mounted on Robertson to resign as Leader of the Labor Party, and three months away from the 2015 state election, he stood aside on 23 December 2014.

Violence

Commentators considered Monis's history of domestic violence, with a family violence expert arguing that it should have been considered when bail was given. A columnist noted that while his behaviour highlighted an "epidemic" of violence towards women, the media focus remained on terrorism.

Historians of religion and politics also critically reviewed the role of violence committed in the name of religion.

Media

Debate followed about the difficulty of managing a police operation in the presence of continuous global media coverage as well as the likely damage caused by the spread of rumour. Particular criticism was levelled at Rupert Murdoch and News Corp for spreading false information as well as for insensitivity and "gross ethical violations". Commissioner Scipione and chair of the Australian Press Council, Professor Julian Disney released statements about the media coverage after the event. Beyond misinformation, concerns were raised regarding the presentation of crises as entertainment.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Four Corners aired a two-part broadcast, interviewing former hostages, and the families of deceased Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.

Memorials and legacy

Café reopening approximately three months later, March 2015

A month after the siege, police, ambulance workers, firefighters and others were officially thanked at NSW Government House. Memorial plaques were placed inside the reopened Lindt café. A permanent memorial to the victims of the siege incorporated the flowers from Martin Place, which were to be mulched and incorporated into its garden element. The memorial was opened in December, 2017.

The premiere of Jonathon Welch's choral piece Street Requiem in February 2015 was dedicated to the siege victims and to those who died in the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris.

Composer Lyle Chan, who resides less than a kilometre from the Lindt Café, wrote two works influenced by the events. Sea of Flowers was premiered by conductor Alondra de la Parra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in May 2015. Chan's Love Is Always Born (December), with original words by Michael Leunig and 'Silent Night' in Arabic, was commissioned and premiered by the Song Company at concerts around the first anniversary of the events.

Dawson's family created the Katrina Dawson Foundation and scholarships to The Women's College, University of Sydney to provide financial assistance to young women for their university education. The first recipients started university in 2016. This scholarship is fitting given that Katrina Dawson achieved a perfect Tertiary Entrance Rank of 100 in the year 1994.

Senator Dean Smith, a homosexual Liberal Party member, changed his views on same-sex marriage in Australia due to Tori Johnson and his partner of 14 years. Smith later introduced a bill aimed at legalising same-sex marriage to the Senate, which became law.

A ceremony unveiling the memorial was held on 16 December 2017.

The Lindt Café closed in October 2021 due to lack of patronage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing construction work for the Sydney Metro. A Dan Murphy's wine cellar opened at the site of the café in July 2023.

As part of the 2024 March Bravery Honours, 32 members of the New South Wales Police Force and New South Wales Ambulance service were awarded the Group Bravery Citation.

See also

References

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Further reading

  • Snow, Deborah (July 2018). Siege. Allen & Unwin. p. 328. ISBN 9781760296933. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  • 'Officer A' (author's full name subject to a New South Wales Coronial Suppression Order) (October 2022) Tiger! Tiger! Tiger! The Lindt Café Siege. The End Authority Limited, ISBN 9780473655990. Retrieved 2 May 2023.

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