December 15th 2024.
It's hard to believe that it has already been a decade since the tragic events at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. On this day, lone wolf gunman Man Haron Monis stormed the cafe and held 18 innocent people hostage. As we remember the two lives lost, it's also important to recognize the struggles that continue for those who were directly affected by the siege.
Mourners gathered today to honor the victims, but also to demand greater support for the first responders who bravely risked their lives to end the 16-hour ordeal. One of those responders, known only as "officer A" until now, is finally able to share his story. Ben Besant, the officer who ultimately took down Monis, has come forward to reveal the toll that the traumatic experience has taken on his life.
Besant has been struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that has cost him his job and his marriage. He bravely sought help after realizing that he couldn't let the disorder define him. "I went to a psych hospital and came to the realization that I do have it," he said. "I wouldn't let it define me, and I need to do it for my family and loved ones."
One of the hardest parts for Besant has been the guilt he feels over the death of one of the hostages, Katrina Dawson. It's likely that the bullet fragments that killed her came from his own gun. He still carries the weight of that tragedy with him, especially since he was the one who held her in his arms as she took her last breath.
Sadly, the trauma that Besant experienced that day was not recognized by the police force at the time. He was expected to return to work immediately after the siege, with no talk of taking time off to process and heal. This lack of support is what drives Besant to call for a national inquiry into first responder PTSD. He knows firsthand the importance of providing help for those who put their lives on the line to protect others.
Besant's bravery and strength have not gone unnoticed. Lindt survivor Louisa Hope, who he carried to safety during the siege, has become a close friend and ally. This year, she launched Victims of Terror Australia, determined to use her own survival as a way to honor the victims and help others affected by similar tragedies.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledges the need for better support for officers and their families. She points to the creation of liaison officers as a step in the right direction, stating that they have become invaluable in providing assistance and resources.
As we remember the events of that day 10 years ago, Besant and Hope planned to quietly and privately honor the victims, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, and the impact that the siege has had on their lives. For Besant, his battle with PTSD is ongoing, but he remains determined to win. His strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
