The foreign ministry issued a yellow travel alert for Australia after two hostages and a gunman were killed in a café in downtown Sydney on Tuesday. The yellow advisory urges people to pay special attention to their health and safety when traveling to a country.
The gunman had taken over the Lindt Chocolate Café on Monday morning in downtown Sydney holding 17 hostages. After gunshots were heard 16 hours later, police raided the café and shot the gunman.
The gunman, Man Haron Monis, had a history of rage and violence. He was charged in 2013 as an accessory to the murder of his former wife. The 50-year-old Monis also had grievances against people he perceived to be leading the oppression of Muslims. Police in New South Wales believe that he was acting alone and not directly connected to terrorist groups.
The two hostages that died were 34-year old Tori Johnson and 38-year old Katrina Dawson. Others were injured but are in stable condition.