The Sydney siege that lasted more than 16 hours at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe ended with the death of two of the 17 hostages, according to CNN.

The man behind the Martin Place stand-off was Man Haron Monis, who reportedly had violent criminal history before the Sydney siege, according to ABC.net.

Monis reportedly faces more than 40 sexual and indecent assault charges and had a conviction for sending offensive letters to families of deceased Australian soldiers. Monis, who was granted political asylum in Australia, was reportedly on bail for a collection of violent offenses, including being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife.

Monis’ former lawyer, Manny Conditsis, reportedly described Monis as an isolated figure who he believed was probably acting alone. Conditsis reportedly represented Monis last year when he was charged with being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife, Noleen Hayson Pal, who was stabbed and set alight outside a western Sydney unit.

“Knowing he was on bail for very serious offenses, knowing that while he was in custody some terrible things happened to him, I thought he may consider that he’s got nothing to lose,” Conditsis stated.

He added, “Hence participating in something as desperate and outrageous as this.”

Hundreds of police officers, including snipers, surrounded the cafe in Sydney’s central business district shortly after the gunman took over the building at 10a.m. on Monday, according to CNN. The hostages were reportedly seen holding up a black flag with Arabic writing on it reading, “There is no God but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God.”

Man Haron Monis was reportedly killed in the Sydney siege.

“Australians awoke to the news this morning that the siege in Martin Place has ended,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two deceased hostages, the wounded and the other hostages.”