Sydney Hostage Victim Tori Johnson Remembered By His Longtime Partner, Thomas Zinn (VIDEO)

Sydney Hostage Victim's Partner Breaks His Silence

The grieving partner of a gay man killed in the deadly cafe siege in Sydney, Australia is speaking out.

As the Associated Press first reported, Tori Johnson, the 34-year-old manager of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe, was among the 17 hostages taken by the gunman and one of two who were killed after a 16-hour standoff. The other victim was 38-year-old Katrina Dawson, a mother of three.

Johnson's partner of 14 years, Thomas Zinn, spoke of his "unimaginable grief" in a video statement released to the international media via Australia's Today Show, but nonetheless said he was "incredibly moved" by the global support he and his loved ones had received since the tragedy.

"As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family," Zinn said. "This tragedy will remain with us forever. But the uniting effects of this week, how they have galvanized our city, our country makes us even more proud of Tori and Katrina and proud of all Australians."

He added, "We cannot undo the events of Dec. 16, but it has made our diverse community even stronger and more unified."

In a separate interview with Today's Lisa Wilkinson, Zinn said Johnson would have been moved by the flowers and messages at a makeshift memorial that has sprung up at Martin Place, a plaza in Sydney's financial and shopping district where the siege took place.

"Tori loves flowers, and this is probably the most beautiful thing...that he has ever seen," Zinn said. "It's just amazing that he has been able to make our city smell like flowers."

Zinn said he hoped Johnson would be remembered as a "humble and very generous person" who "made it very clear that family is the most important thing in our lives," according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Before You Go

Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Women comfort eachother in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People come to pay their respects at the Martin Place vigil on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are placed by people as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man places flowers as a mark of respect for the victims of Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the community arrive at the Martin Place vigil to pay their respects on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Local political figures pay their respects at the Martin Place memorial site on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives with his wife Margaret to pay their respects at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (centre L) and his wife Margaret lay wreaths at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Australian flags fly at half mast on Sydney Harbour bridge following the fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
A man and woman pray as visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Grieving Australians on December 16 eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence and extremism. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People pay their respects at the Martin Place vigil on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
A visitor queues up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Visitors sign condolences and flowers are laid at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Visitors queue up to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Mourners at Martin Place vigil are seen on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
PETER PARKS via Getty Images
Flowers are laid at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a fatal siege in the heart of Sydney's financial district on December 16, 2014. Sydneysiders including tearful office workers and Muslim women in hijabs laid flowers at the scene of the deadly siege, in an outpouring of grief and shock that this could happen in their easy-going city. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man plays a harmonica in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Newspix via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images)
Newspix via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images)
Newspix via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images)
Newspix via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Sydneysiders lay flowers for victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson at the scene of the Martin Place siege in the CBD on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Adam Ward/Newspix/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A boat is seen in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where the Australian and New South Wales flags are at half mast as a mark of respect for the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Tourists arrive to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge where the Australian and New South Wales flags are at half mast as a mark of respect for the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Passengers on a cruise ship look towards the Sydney Opera House sails at sunrise on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Fairfax Media via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) A young girl places floral tributes in Martin Place for the two hostages killed during a siege in the nearby Lindt Chocolat Café at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A young girl holds a balloon aloft in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A young girl holds aloft a chocolate on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: People queue to buy flowers in Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman cries as she and friends pay thier respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Sydney siders attend a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, was shot dead by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning after taking hostages at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. Two other people died, 33-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson. Six people have been injured and have been taken to hospital. (Photo by Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A woman is comforted as she pays her respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man cries as he pays his respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: A man cries as he pays his respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place is over after 16 hours. Police raided the cafe just after 2am AEDT on Tuesday morning. Three people have been confirmed killed, two hostages and the gunman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Jennifer Polixenni Brankin via Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Flowers are left as a sign of respect at Martin Place on December 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Three people have been confirmed killed when a gunman took hostages at Sydney's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. Police raided the cafe just after 2 AM AEDT December 16, ending the ordeal after 16 hours. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)
WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images
Representatives of the Muslim community lay flowers at a memorial at the scene of a dramatic siege which left two hostages dead, expressing shock and grief that something like this could happen in their easy-going city, in Sydney on December 16, 2014. Two hostages and an extremist Iranian-born gunman were killed in a siege that ended when armed police stormed a central Sydney cafe, as a shocked Australia struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images
Representatives of the Muslim community pray after laying flowers at a floral memorial at the scene of a dramatic siege which left two hostages dead, expressing shock and grief that something like this could happen in their easy-going city, in Sydney on December 16, 2014. Two hostages and an extremist Iranian-born gunman were killed in a siege that ended when armed police stormed a central Sydney cafe, as a shocked Australia struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot