Aussie standoff ends with three dead

A tragic end to a hostage situation in Australia. And the circumstances surrounding the entire event are chilling. Many of us grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite at a cafe before heading into work. But for a few people in Sydney, Australia, that trip turned into a fight for their lives.

A gunman took customers and employees hostage inside the cafe resulting in the death of three people.

The ordeal came to an end after police moved in firing automatic weapons and throwing grenades. And most of this was captured by nearby cameras.

Heavily armed officers stormed the downtown Sydney café, ending a hostage situation that dragged on for 16 hours.

Blinding flashes from flash grenades preceded the siege by heavily armed officers.

Hostages rushed from the building.

Seven news network anchor: “We’ve just seen another hostage brought out.”

As officers moved in to the Lindt chocolate cafe to confront the man they say had held 17 people hostage through the day and well into the night.

Commissioner Andrew P. Scipione, New South Wales Police: “They made the call. If they didn’t enter there would have been many more lives lost.”

Hundreds of police officers, including snipers, had surrounded the café.

Chilling images from Australian media showed hostages, with their hands pressed against the windows, holding up a black flag with Arabic writing on it reading in part “Mohammed is the prophet of God.”

At one point five hostages escaped. Terrified café workers and customers running into the arms of officers.

The standoff ended with the Iranian born gunman and two hostages dead. 34-year old Tori Johnson was the manager of the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place and Katrina Dawson, a 38-year old barrister and mother of three.

At least 7 people were carried away on stretchers. One police officer was hit in the face with gunshot pellets.

Police say these were the actions of a lone wolf gunman

Commissioner Scipione: “This was an isolated incident.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has sent Canada’s condolences to the family and friends of the hostages who were killed. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured. saying Canada mourns with Australia.