http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30473983

At least one gunman has taken several people hostage at a cafe in the Australian city of Sydney.

Pictures on Australian television show at least three people with their hands up against a window, and a black flag with Arabic writing.

Hundreds of armed police have sealed off Martin Place in Sydney's central business district.

New South Wales police have asked people to avoid the area.

An Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter said that gunfire had been heard at the scene, the Lindt chocolate cafe - but this has not been confirmed.

No injuries have been reported from the incident, according to a police spokesperson.

Sydney map
Police have also said that they are dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House which has been evacuated.

Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as "deeply concerning" in a statement.

"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," he said.

A National Security Committee of Cabinet has been convened for Monday morning, the PM's office said.

The Lindt Cafe is located in a plaza in the heart of the city's financial and shopping district that is usually packed with shoppers at this time of year.

It is home to the state premier's office and the headquarters of two of the nation's largest banks.

The state parliament house is also only a few streets away.

The writing on the flag apparently reads, “There is no God but Allah” and “Mohammed is the messenger of God.”

:/

Bigots will be delighted.

Especially given the leaders we have in place right now.

From what I've seen though thus far, Abbott has been surprisingly measured.

http://www.pedestrian.tv/news/arts-and-culture/illridewithyou-is-the-perfect-response-to-racist-r/ea5aad86-86a6-4ee7-a182-de6453b9ee88.htm

I wish a sentiment like that could take off in the US.
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DJTB YOMM

which saw 100s of thousands, if not millions particpate

in major cities across our country

I have to ask myself and other citizens some questions

1) Why were the protests not covered by any major news outlets?

2) Why is a hostage situation in Australia the headline today?

discuss...

in Australia taking hostages...

...because he has a flag?

I don't get it

>which saw 100s of thousands, if not millions particpate
>
>in major cities across our country

This was covered by our local news the past couple of days

>
>I have to ask myself and other citizens some questions
>
>1) Why were the protests not covered by any major news
>outlets?
>
>2) Why is a hostage situation in Australia the headline
>today?
>
>discuss...

Tonight's news coverage will be interesting, but consider the following:

Hostage situation was drawn out, more time to up the ante drama wise.

Hostage taking of this kind is pretty rare in an Australian setting, whilst senseless gun deaths by white psychos are becoming a recurring theme in America.

My question is why law enforcement in America isn't profiling normal looking white guys. Actually that's just rhetorical, I know the answer.

This was a national day of protest that was planned and advertised for weeks

I didn't see any correspondents or camera crews at the demonstrations

that is what I mean by covered

not ran a story

and then covered some nut in Australia for the rest of the day

how many news crews were at the 'violent' demonstrations prior to this weekends'

violent protesters in Ferguson, etc...

sheeeiiiittt, after the Garner no bill they would go live to a correspondent walking in the protest

I didn't see (insert news anchors name) live on the scene

did you?

>This was a national day of protest that was planned and
>advertised for weeks
>
>I didn't see any correspondents or camera crews at the
>demonstrations
>
>that is what I mean by covered
>
>not ran a story
>
>and then covered some nut in Australia for the rest of the
>day
>
>how many news crews were at the 'violent' demonstrations prior
>to this weekends'
>
>violent protesters in Ferguson, etc...
>
>sheeeiiiittt, after the Garner no bill they would go live to a
>correspondent walking in the protest
>
>I didn't see (insert news anchors name) live on the scene
>
>did you?

Ah I see where you're coming from now.

couldn't sensationalize anything.

But sadly I think its getting fazed out the news cycle

hell I made a post about this weekends protest and it only got 1 reply


but im banned tho.
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Dallas Cavericks LETS GO!!

Can't believe this happened in my city, very upsetting...

being a sydney-sider who lives on the other side of the world has been tough through this.