Sydney Siege - #IllRideWithYou Users Support Muslims, Others Share Selfies

Some Twitter users pledged support for Australian Muslims using the #IllRideWithYou hashtag after the Sydney siege, while other social media users shared selfies they took at the scene of the hostage situation involving an armed Islamist which ended a couple of hours ago, after more than half a day.

The now dead gunman, later named as Man Haron Monis held about 30 people hostage in a cafe in Sydney, Australia killing one hostage, before being killed by the Australian security forces. The extremely horrific situation didn't stop some sight seers from mobbing the scene, and some even seized the opportunity to take selfies, while also looking very happy like the guy above...smh.

On a more positive note, thousands of Twitter users began a new hashtag after the #SydneySiege began to wane. At the same time as #PrayForSydney was trending, social media commenters made it clear they would not tar Muslims in Australia and around the world with the same brush as the self-professed cleric and now dead Jihadist. This was how it began. Some Australians noted that Muslims were removing hijabs on public transport in fear they would be targets of reprisals.

This, this is what good people do. #sydneyseige #MartinPlace pic.twitter.com/zxbHLWzxEp
— Michael James (@MichaelJames_TV) December 15, 2014

If you reg take the #373 bus b/w Coogee/MartinPl, wear religious attire, & don’t feel safe alone: I’ll ride with you. @ me for schedule.
— Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014

Maybe start a hashtag? What’s in #illridewithyou?
— Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014

According to social analytics website Topsy, the #Illridewithyou hashtag had been tweeted more than 166k times in the eight hours following @sirtessa’s tweet. It continues to trend even now. The initial person whose story started it all says she's overwhelmed and thanks everyone.

1/2 #illridewithyou overwhelmed. Mine was a small gesture because of sadness that someone would ever feel unwelcome because of beliefs
— Rachael Jacobs (@rachaeljacobs) December 15, 2014

2/2 I’m not the story. Anyone joining #illridewithyou is incredibly inspiring, creating a path to peace for all of us. Thank you @sirtessa
— Rachael Jacobs (@rachaeljacobs) December 15, 2014

It's been a horrible day. It still is a horrible day. Thanks to whoever started #illridewithyou. We need kind acts like that now.
— Lucy Carter (@lucethoughts) December 15, 2014

They are just ordinary, innocent people, no one deserve to be held hostage like that #illridewithyou #PrayForSydneyHostages
— Sonya (@Sonyachand_) December 15, 2014

Thanks for protecting my sisters #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/Qy9l0lN1qB
— Angger Prawitasari (@anggerwitasari) December 15, 2014

I really hope people open their hearts and minds around the world. #Australia, you have made me proud #illridewithyou
— Ufaq Ashfaque (@Ganache007) December 15, 2014

I hardly ever use public transport because I live in the bush, but if I ever do #illridewithyou
— Outlandish Grinch (@OutlandishMemes) December 15, 2014

I was going to drive to work tomorrow but seeing the outpouring of support changed my mind. #illridewithyou Thank you. See you on the train!
— Ozge Sevindik (@OzgeSevindik) December 15, 2014

Twitter, like humanity, can be cruel and inane but it can also be generous and inspiring. #illridewithyou
— Sarfraz Manzoor (@sarfrazmanzoor) December 15, 2014

I drive but today I visited small business today to assure the Muslim owners that I was with them at this difficult time #illridewithyou
— Peter Doyle (@PeterDoyley) December 15, 2014

If you wear religious attire, & need to get from #Adelaide's westsuburbs to the city on Tues but don't want to travel alone #illridewithyou”
— Clara Collin (@msclaracollin) December 15, 2014

In times like these we should stand together in unity, not isolate because of race, culture or religion #illridewithyou
— Arsalan Ahmad Khan (@ArsalanTWIT) December 15, 2014