A gunman took an unknown number of people hostage inside a downtown Sydney chocolate shop and cafe at the height of Monday morning rush hour. Two people inside the cafe hold up a flag believed to contain an Islamic declaration of faith.
Sydney, Australia, Hostage Situation
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A hostage runs toward a police officer outside Lindt cafe, where other hostages are being held, in Martin Place in central Sydney, Australia, Dec. 15, 2014.
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This image taken from video shows a man believed to be a gunman inside a cafe in Sydney, Australia, Dec. 15, 2014.
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This image taken from video shows people holding up hands inside a cafe in Sydney, Australia, Dec. 15, 2014.
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An armed tactical response police officer grabs a hostage as she flees from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney, Australia, Dec. 15, 2014.