The man who has been hailed a hero, after being killed after he grabbed the gun of terrorist Man Haron Monis has been named as Tori Johnson.
Mr Johnson, 34, was the manager at the cafe in Sydney when self-styled Muslim cleric Man Haron Monis took 17 staff and patrons hostage during a 16-hour siege over the weekend. The lone gunman was eventually killed after a sustained gun fight. It is believed that Mr Johnson, who had worked at the cafe since October 2012, tried to overpower the gunman to protect staff and customers.
The horrific ordeal began at 9:45 AM, when police were notified and called to Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place in the central business district. The siege eventually ended at 2:10 AM when commandos stormed the cafe. The exact sequence of events inside the building is not clear.
Mr Johnson had been in a long-term relationship with his partner of 14 years – Mr Thomas Zinn, who is currently being looked after by Mr Johnson’s family. A statement from the family have said via a journalist Ben Fordham,
“We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for.
“We feel heartfelt sorrow for the family of Katrina Dawson.
“We’d like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers.
“Our deepest gratitude to the NSW police, armed forces and paramedics for their tireless efforts.
“We ask that the media respects our privacy in this difficult time.
“Let us all pray for peace on earth.”
A former colleague Peter Manettas said Mr Johnson was,
“a very selfless manager… he put his staff first in everything that he did.”
A co-worker, and mother of three Katrina Dawson, 38 also died.
