Iranian-born Refugee Haron Monis Named As Australian Hostage Taker, Situation Under Control

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It all began around 9:45 a.m. in Martin Place, a plaza in Sydney's financial and shopping district normally packed with holiday shoppers this time of year. Most of the hostages inside the cafe would have been taken captive as they stopped in for their morning coffees. Throughout the day, several people were seen with their arms in the air and hands pressed against the window of the cafe, and two people holding up a black flag with the Shahada, or Islamic declaration of faith, written on it. The Shahada translates as "There is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger." It is considered the first of Islam's five pillars of faith, and is similar to the Lord's Prayer in Christianity. The gunman could be seen pacing back and forth past the cafe's windows carrying what appeared to be a pump-action shotgun, was unshaven and wore a white shirt and a black cap.

A police spokesman confirmed "the operation is over," but would not release any other details about the fate of the gunman. A female hostage was shot in the leg, a hospital official said, and earlier at least two people were wheeled out of the cafe on stretchers. A weeping woman was helped out by police. The standoff ended when a loud bang was heard from the Lindt Chocolat Cafe and five people ran out. Then police swooped into the building, and there was a flurry of loud bangs.