Sports personalities Sonny Bill Williams and Usman Khawaja have expressed their heartbreak over the tragic incident at Bondi, which has resulted in the loss of at least 16 lives.

Both the former rugby star, now a boxer, and the Test cricketer have strongly criticized the alleged attackers who targeted Jewish families at Bondi Beach last Sunday.

According to New South Wales Police, Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father are accused of killing at least 16 individuals during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sunday afternoon.

In a dramatic turn of events, one of the shooters was courageously subdued by Sydney resident Ahmed el Ahmed, who is now celebrated as a hero for his courageous actions.

Williams acknowledged el Ahmed’s heroic deed in his posts on X and Instagram, highlighting the bravery exhibited during the massacre.

Pictured: Sonny Bill Williams responds to the horror in Bondi Beach  

Williams (pictured) praised the bravery of Ahmed al Ahmed, who was filmed disarming one of the alleged gunmen

‘Prayers and hearts are with those affected by this tragedy in Bondi tonight,’ Williams wrote, adding a broken-heart emoji.

‘Like the brave man Ahmed, who risked his life to disarm one of the gunmen.

‘I’m against the killing of innocent people no matter where they’re from.

‘God willing we start to move in a way where empathy, compassion and unity beats hatred.’ 

Khawaja made several statements on Instagram in response to the slaughter.  

He posted an image of his first statement on Sunday, along with the caption: ‘To the whole Bondi and Jewish community. 2 horrible crimes in 2 years.

‘Truly devastating news from Bondi today,’ he posted with a broken-heart emoji.

‘Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised.

Test cricket star Usman Khawaja (pictured) revealed his devastation at what unfolded on arguably Australia’s most famous beach 

Khawaja made the above statement on Instagram on Sunday 

The Aussie Test cricket star then followed up with a second message on Monday morning condemning the alleged shooters

At least 16 people are dead with many more injured after a father and son allegedly opened fire on a Jewish event (pictured)

‘There are no words – only heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers to all affected.’

Khawaja also shared a post from the Jewish Council of Australia.

‘We are horrified and shaken in the wake of the mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi this evening, which has left at least 10 people dead and injured many more,’ the council’s post read.

‘This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah.

‘Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives. Others are caring for injured loved ones, and some are still waiting to hear that their families are safe.’

Khawaja shared his message again on Monday morning to his Instagram story, including a new update.

‘Up before the break of dawn and praying for the Jewish and Bondi community as a whole,’ he posted.

‘No room whatsoever for these hate crimes.’

Khawaja is a devout Muslim and his wife Rachel McLellan has also converted to the faith

Khawaja’s followers embraced his messages of support for the Sydney Jewish and Bondi communities.

‘It’s absolutely devastating and completely wrong to have innocent people attacked whilst celebrating any occasion. My tears are flowing but love in my heart,’ one posted.

Another said: ‘Tragic event for Australia and so sad’.

‘Thanks Uzzy. You’re a kind soul,’ posted another.

More than 21,000 followers have liked the original post that Khawaja published on Sunday.

Khawaja is the first Muslim Australian to play in the Test cricket side and his wife Rachel McLellan has also converted to the religion.