1. Steerpike

    Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2010
    Messages:
    13,984
    Likes Received:
    8,557
    Location:
    California, US

    Gunmen holding hostages in Sydney cafe

    Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by Steerpike, Dec 15, 2014.

  2. James Random

    James Random Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2014
    Messages:
    99
    Likes Received:
    51
    Hopefully the Gunmen can be lured out with the promise of barbecue and beer and maybe a helicopter.
     
  3. The O'Rahilly

    The O'Rahilly New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2014
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Ireland
    Awful. Hope all the hostages get out unharmed. Just going for a coffee - it's sad.
     
  4. Jack Asher

    Jack Asher Banned Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2013
    Messages:
    3,545
    Likes Received:
    2,083
    Location:
    Denver
    I'm just waiting for someone to start arguing that this wouldn't have happened if Australians had more guns.
     
    Christopher Snape. likes this.
  5. Selbbin

    Selbbin The Moderating Cat Staff Contributor Contest Winner 2023

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    Messages:
    5,160
    Likes Received:
    4,243
    Location:
    Australia
    It's a fair point. I mean, there's never been any mass killings or hostage situations in America.

    Seriously though, it was an expected situation. There's been a lot of friction with the extremist Islamic groups here, with raids recently stopping a similar planned attack in Martin Place (the location of the siege).

    Hopefully this was poorly planned, as they haven't killed anyone or made demands. Although it's worrying that they may be waiting for enough media attention to make their point. But the guy looks older than expected, with a greying beard, and is probably alone. He probably realizes he has bitten off more than he can chew.

    Sydney is over-reacting a bit though. These incidents are so rare in Australia we tend to go a bit overboard. They've practically shut down half the city. The threat of further attacks is pretty much over now. Hopefully this is resolved soon, the Aussie way. With no bloodshed and months of current affairs exclusive interviews with hostages.

    Personally, I'm worried about the backlash against the peaceful Muslim community by zealous right-wing extremists. They're going to fight back. That's a given. I expect the Mosque near my work to receive more of the bomb and death threats they received after the terror raids.
     
    Christopher Snape. likes this.
  6. Jack Asher

    Jack Asher Banned Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2013
    Messages:
    3,545
    Likes Received:
    2,083
    Location:
    Denver
    I know, right! It's because the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun. As most of our shootings end in suicide, they are conveniently the same guy.
     
    Christopher Snape. likes this.
  7. KaTrian

    KaTrian A foolish little beast. Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    Messages:
    6,764
    Likes Received:
    5,393
    Location:
    Funland
    Shit, I hope everyone gets out alive. Finnish news are reporting about a connection to ISIS. And it's just one guy.
     
  8. Lemex

    Lemex That's Lord Lemex to you. Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2007
    Messages:
    10,704
    Likes Received:
    3,425
    Location:
    Northeast England
    Maybe. I still think it's good to take that precaution though.

    I hope this whole thing is resolved quickly - I've woke up to the news. I mean, I hope there are no innocent deaths. As someone who is thinking of moving out to Australia I'm finding this story particularly interesting.
     
    Christopher Snape. likes this.
  9. Boger

    Boger Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2014
    Messages:
    435
    Likes Received:
    111
    Insert Wallace quote
     
  10. Selbbin

    Selbbin The Moderating Cat Staff Contributor Contest Winner 2023

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    Messages:
    5,160
    Likes Received:
    4,243
    Location:
    Australia
    It'll take a while. There's no rush. Attrition is the best way to end a seige. It's a cafe so there's food and water. The police are going to just wait it out. A bit sick of every major TV station reporting on nothing happening and calling in every expert under the sun. Oh well. At least it's not so common we don't even blink.
     
  11. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,385
    Likes Received:
    7,080
    Location:
    Ralph's side of the island.
    2 dead hostages, multiple wounded, hostage taker also dead.

    Sounds like he started shooting, but the police are not saying yet, maybe after some more got out.

    He sounds like a real creep, was due in court for sentencing as an accomplice to his wife's murder.
     
    Christopher Snape. and Steerpike like this.
  12. Steerpike

    Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2010
    Messages:
    13,984
    Likes Received:
    8,557
    Location:
    California, US
    Yeah, apparently he'd been previously charged as an accessory to murder of his ex-wife, with sexual assault of another woman, and wrote a lot of threatening letters to people. Makes you wonder why this guy was walking around free.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice