A shop manager and a mother of three children are being hailed as heroes in Australia this morning in the wake of yesterday’s terrifying siege at a Lindt café in the heart of Sydney’s city centre.
The people of Sydney are still struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of yesterday’s event. A memorial service was held today in memory of Tori Johnson (34) and Katrina Dawson (38) who were killed during the 16-hour siege at the café. The gunman, Man Haron Monis, was also killed during the hostage-taking.
Other hostages have revealed that Johnson grabbed Monis’ gun which set the gun off and led to police storming the siege, though this has not been confirmed by police. The Most Reverend Anthony Fisher, the archbishop of Sydney, stated to thousands of mourners today that Johnson was a hero as his act led to the “freedom for most of the hostages”.
“We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori,” a statement from his family read. “The most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for.”
Mr Johnson had worked for the Lindt Chocolate Café for two years and the company stated that he was “a great ambassador for our company and the store that he managed, which he cared about passionately.”
“His loss is absolutely tragic,” said Steve Loan, Lindt Australia Chief Executive.
Katrina Dawson. (Pics: Associated Press)
Other reports have stated that Katrina Dawson put herself in front of her pregnant friend when she was killed.
“These heroes were willing to lay down their lives so others might live,” said Rev. Fisher. “Imitating the sacrifice of Christ, who said there is no greater love than to lay down your life for another.”
Ms Dawson was described by the president of the New South Wales Bar Association Jane Needham as “one of our best and brightest barristers” who “will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends at the NSW Bar.
“She was a devoted mother of three children, and a valued member of her floor and of our bar community.”
People have been taking to Twitter to mourn their loss.
Sydneysiders, you can lay flowers at Castlereagh St, Martin Place for the victims of this morning's tragedy pic.twitter.com/O2RmbQ0pXg
— City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 15, 2014
Heartbreaking. "Tori you have been the kindest manager I've ever had. Rest in Paradise. Missing you." pic.twitter.com/3WN1Lis5aq
— Chris Urquhart (@chrisurquhart) December 16, 2014
It's devastating that one of the brightest people at the Sydney bar, Katrina Dawson, is one of the victims.Thoughts to brother Sandy& family
— Kate McClymont (@Kate_McClymont) December 15, 2014
