Preliminary Results of Investigations into the Sydney Hostage Situation

Preliminary results from the investigation into the hostage situation at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney, which resulted in the deaths of two hostages and the Iranian-born hostage-taker, indicate that one of the hostages died from a police bullet. Jeremy Gormley, the assistant coroner for New South Wales, stated on January 27 that Ms. Katrina Dawson, a 38-year-old lawyer who was killed during the Sydney hostage crisis, was struck by six fragments of police bullets or ricochets. She lost consciousness shortly thereafter and died at the scene. Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson (right) were the victims of the hostage situation in Sydney. Australian police raided the cafe early on Tuesday, December 16, leading to the death of Iranian-born hostage-taker Haron Monis, while hostages Katrina Dawson and 34-year-old Tori Johnson were also killed in the Lindt Cafe. Several others were injured as a result of this incident. The police assault occurred after the hostage-taker shot Tori Johnson, who was kneeling on the ground, without any warning, from behind and at close range; one of the police shooters witnessed this event, which ultimately led to the order for special forces to enter the premises. Haron Monis himself was killed after being hit by 22 bullets fired by police in the Lindt Cafe. Preliminary investigations also show that none of the bullets fired from Haron Monis's shotgun, except for the one that killed Tori Johnson, hit anyone else. Investigations into the deadly Sydney hostage situation are ongoing; investigators are looking into how Haron Monis gained access to a weapon. They also want to know why he was free on bail despite being charged with involvement in the murder of his ex-wife. Haron Monis had previously been convicted in 2012 for sending insulting and threatening letters to the families of eight Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Jeremy Gormley has told reporters that no connection has yet been found between Monis and the 'Islamic State' group up to the moment of the hostage situation. There is also speculation that Haron Monis's mental health conditions may help clarify the investigations into the reasons for his actions.