A hostage runs to armed tactical response police officers for safety after she escaped from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney, Australia. Rob Griffith/AP
Tweeters offering to escort Australian Muslims who fear racially or religiously motivated attacks in response to a hostage situation in Sydney have adopted the hashtag #illridewithyou, which has quickly spread across social media. This support for Australian Muslims comes after a black flag with Arabic writing on it was seen displayed on the cafe window where the siege continues to unfold.
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
The Guardian reports that Tessa Kum started the hashtag after she saw this story on Twitter:
This, this is what good people do. #sydneyseige #MartinPlace pic.twitter.com/zxbHLWzxEp
— Michael James (@MichaelJames_TV) December 15, 2014
The idea quickly caught on, and Sydney residents have been using #illridewithyou to publicly reach out to anyone who may want a partner to travel with as authorities work to put an end to the standoff:
I’m a semi regular commuter on the #mandurah line. If you see me #illridewithyou. I’ll be wearing this scarf. pic.twitter.com/sWSpbDcOsd
— Terri (@KaelaJael) December 15, 2014
Practical thing: I’ve made a temporary sticker for my bag so people who need me can spot me #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/aVldEn9wVU
— Kristen Boschma (@Kristen_Boschma) December 15, 2014
Thanks for protecting my sisters #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/Qy9l0lN1qB
— Angger Prawitasari (@anggerwitasari) December 15, 2014
As of 9:05 AM EST, five hostages have either escaped or been released. Muslim leaders, who condemned the “criminal act,” are urging residents stay calm.
