Flowers have been left at the scene of the Sydney siege, creating a makeshift memorial within hours of the tragedy that left two hostages and the gunman dead.
The flowers were laid in Sydney's Martin Place, near the Chocolate Lindt Cafe where Man Haron Monis took 17 hostages and held them for 16 hours, ending when police stormed in.
Monis, 50, was killed alongside two hostages, 34-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson. Police have not said whether the hostages were killed by Monis or in the crossfire when police stormed the cafe.
SEE ALSO:
Prime Minister Tony Abbott was among those to lay flowers. He laid a bouquet of white flowers at the memorial in Martin Place while his wife Margie laid a bouquet of red flowers.
"It's shocking that it has happened to people like us that are just going out for a coffee," said Michael Gardiner, a visitor from the western city of Perth, who recalled sitting in the cafe about a year ago.
"But it's beautiful to see everyone coming here. There's a real sense of community."
Sydney Pays Respect To Victims After 16 Hour Siege
(01 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Women comfort eachother in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(02 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People come to pay their respects at the Martin Place vigil on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(03 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(04 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(05 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(06 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(07 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(08 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the community arrive at the Martin Place vigil to pay their respects on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(09 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Local political figures pay their respects at the Martin Place memorial site on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(10 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives with his wife Margaret to pay their respects at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(11 of43)
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (centre L) and his wife Margaret lay wreaths at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(12 of43)
Australian flags fly at half mast on Sydney Harbour bridge following the fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(13 of43)
A man and woman pray as visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(14 of43)
Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(15 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People pay their respects at the Martin Place vigil on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(16 of43)
A visitor queues up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(17 of43)
Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(18 of43)
Visitors sign condolences and flowers are laid at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(19 of43)
Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(20 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Mourners at Martin Place vigil are seen on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(21 of43)
Flowers are laid at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PETER PARKS via Getty Images)
(22 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man plays a harmonica in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(23 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) (credit:Newspix via Getty Images)
(24 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) (credit:Newspix via Getty Images)
(25 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) (credit:Newspix via Getty Images)
(26 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images) (credit:Newspix via Getty Images)
(27 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A boat is seen in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where the Australian and New South Wales flags are at half mast as a mark of respect for the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(28 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Tourists arrive to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge where the Australian and New South Wales flags are at half mast as a mark of respect for the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(29 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Passengers on a cruise ship look towards the Sydney Opera House sails at sunrise on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(30 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) A young girl places floral tributes in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
(31 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A young girl holds a balloon aloft in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(32 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(33 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A young girl holds aloft a chocolate on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(34 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People queue to buy flowers in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(35 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman cries as she and friends pay thier respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(36 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Sydney siders attend a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images) (credit:Daniel Munoz via Getty Images)
(37 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman is comforted as she pays her respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(38 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man cries as he pays his respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(39 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man cries as he pays his respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(40 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)
(41 of43)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Three people have been confirmed killed when a gunman took hostages at Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. Police raided the cafe just after 2 AM AEDT December 16, ending the ordeal after 16 hours. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images) (credit:Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images)
(42 of43)
Representatives of the Muslim community lay flowers at a memorial at the scene of a dramatic siege which left two hostages dead, expressing shock and grief that something like this could happen in their easy-going city, in Sydney on December 16, 2014. Two hostages and an extremist Iranian-born gunman were killed in a siege that ended when armed police stormed a central Sydney cafe, as a shocked Australia struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
(43 of43)
Representatives of the Muslim community pray after laying flowers at a floral memorial at the scene of a dramatic siege which left two hostages dead, expressing shock and grief that something like this could happen in their easy-going city, in Sydney on December 16, 2014. Two hostages and an extremist Iranian-born gunman were killed in a siege that ended when armed police stormed a central Sydney cafe, as a shocked Australia struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)