Three people are dead, including the gunman, following a 16-hour hostage standoff in Martin Plaza in Sydney’s financial district. br br In the middle of the morning rush at Lindt Chocolat Cafe, Man Haron Monis, also known as ‘Sheikh’ Haron, entered the cafe taking more than a dozen customers and employees hostage.br br Hostages were observed being forced to hold up a black flag with Arabic writing on it at the windows of the store.br At the time of the siege, Monis was out on bail for two serious crimes. Monis and his girlfriend Amirah Droudis were charged in connection with the stabbing death of his ex-wife and mother of his two children.br br He also faced more than 40 sexual assault charges dating back to 2002 when he allegedly posted ads saying he was a spiritual advisor and sexually assaulted his female clients during their sessions. br br Last year, he was sentenced for sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers killed in the war in Afghanistan.br br Four people, including a police officer who was shot in the face, were injured during the incident.br br ----------------------------------------­---------------------br br Welcome to TomoNews, where we animate the most entertaining news on the internets. Come here for an animated look at viral headlines, US news, celebrity gossip, salacious scandals, dumb criminals and much more! Subscribe now for daily news animations that will knock your socks off.