A police officer carries a bouquet under cordon tape as floral tributes are relocated after the Sydney cafe siege. REUTERS/Jason Reed
Michael Morell, the former deputy director of the CIA, has "guaranteed" a copycat incident in America.
"We are going to see this kind of attack here and we need to be prepared for that," said Morrell, speaking on US TV news show CBS This Morning.
"It shouldn't surprise people when this happens here some time over the next year or so - guaranteed."
Two hostages and the gunman, Man Haron Monis, were killed when a 16-hour siege at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place ended early on Tuesday when Australian authorities stormed the premises.
NSW Police said 17 people were initially held hostage and four people were injured, including a police officer shot in the face.
