This is simply to keep people informed on the situation.
I originally posted this on Tumblr because I was concerned about people becoming misinformed.
Here’s what I know from the ABC and Twitter right now:
- there is a hostage situation at the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD
- A flag that proclaims one’s Islamic faith, often used by jihadists, has been shown in the window – IT IS NOT AN ISIS FLAG
- Buildings in the area, some government, some corporate, are locked down or have been evacuated
- Trains are not stopping at Martin Place Station, Buses are being stopped at the perimeter
- Buses that normally travel over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge are stopping in North Sydney
- The Opera House has been evacuated
- Australia’s national security committee has met
- A budget update announcement has been postponed until further notice
- People are being evacuated from the Lindt Building – not the cafe, but the offices above it
- Bystanders have been moved away from a section of Macquarie St between Hunter St and Hyde Park
- A man has been arrested near the scene – HIS ARREST IS UNRELATED TO THE SITUATION
- The situation has made the top of bulletins on CNN, BBC World, Al Jazeera English, and the front page of international news sites
- The Prime Minister is due to make a statement to the media any time now (12:41pm)
Remember: This is an ongoing situation, it can change suddenly.
Kara L 