A hostage situation continued to unfold in downtown Sydney on Monday morning, as an apparent gunman entered a cafe and allegedly held its occupants. A black flag with white Arabic writing could later be seen in the window, according to multiple reports.
Speaking on the crisis, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the motivation of the perpetrator was unclear, but speculated on the possibility that it might be political.
Reports from Austrialian media differed as to the number of hostages. One indicated that there could be as many as 20.
Australia has been a vocal backer of the U.S. campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, which has raised fears of reprisal attacks everywhere. The building where the standoff is taking place reportedly holds the U.S. Consulate and offices of former Prime Minister John Howard.
Several people inside a chocolate shop could be seen through the windows with their hands held in the air.
New South Wales state police would not say what was happening inside the shop or whether hostages were being held. But television footage shot through the store’s windows showed several people with their arms in the air and hands pressed against the glass.
The footage showed two people inside the Lindt chocolate shop holding up what appeared to be a black flag with white Arabic writing on it. It was not immediately clear what the flag said.
Zain Ali, the head of the Islamic Studies Research Unit at the University of Auckland, said it was difficult to read the message because media images showed only the lower part of the flag. But he believed it was the Shahada, or declaration of faith, largely because a black flag with white writing in a contemporary context often contains that message. He said he could make out the word “Muhammad.”
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott released a statement on the incident:
“I have spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance. The National Security Committee of Cabinet has also convened for briefings on the situation,” he said.
“This is obviously a deeply concerning incident but all 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.”
