The gunman was a man named Man Haron Monis. He was a self-proclaimed Muslim cleric who had a criminal record.
Monis was on bail at the time of the hostage situation. He was facing several charges. He had left Iran in 1996 and sought political asylum in Australia, which he received.
He had forced two of the hostages to hold up a Muslim flag at the window of the cafe. At one point, one of the women drew her thumb across her throat, making authorities believe that the gunman might behead them.
The police decided to raid the place and jump the gunman after shots were heard. It is believed that more lives would have been lost if the police did not act when they did.
When the smoke cleared, three people were dead, and four were injured. The gunman was killed, as well as the manager of the cafe – Tori Johnson, 34, and a lawyer – Katrina Dawson, 38.
It is believed to be a lone-wolf situation and not the actions of a terrorist group.
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Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30485355
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Graphics: Mine
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Keywords: Sydney, hostage, Monis, Lindt Chocolat Cafe, gunman