Cricketer Usman Khawaja’s wife, daughters targeted with racist comments after Bondi shooting

Usman Khawaja’s family has been subjected to abusive and racist messages in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach mass shooting that left 15 people dead on 14 December. The attack, carried out by two gunmen – Sajeed Akram and his son Naveed – targeted people marking Hanukkah at Sydney’s world-famous beach, in what has become one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings in nearly three decades.

Khawaja, who is currently involved in the Ashes series, has not yet responded publicly to the comments directed at his family. His wife, Rachel Khawaja, however, shared evidence of the vitriol online, revealing that their two young daughters had also been dragged into the taunts.

Racist abuse after Bondi attack

Rachel posted a screenshot on social media highlighting a selection of the remarks the family has faced. She wrote, "I've collected a small sample of some of the comments we have received over the past week. I would love to say this is new, but sadly we have always received these kinds of messages. But of course, they have gotten worse."

Among the insults were references labelling their daughters as "future school blasters" and "cancer terr*** blood."** Some users told the family to "go home" to Pakistan, despite Khawaja having grown up in Australia after migrating as a child.

Rachel urged unity in her post, adding, "It is important now more than ever that we continue to come together and stay united. Whether it's standing up against antisemitism, Islamophobia, or racism, we shouldn't stand for any of it."

Khawaja’s public response to mass shooting

Before Rachel’s disclosure, Khawaja had posted a message condemning the Bondi massacre and expressing support for those affected. Sharing an image of his statement alongside a broken-heart emoji, he wrote, "To the whole Bondi and Jewish community. Two horrible crimes in two years. Truly devastating news from Bondi today."

He continued, "Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words-only heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected."

Khawaja also reposted a statement issued by the Jewish Council of Australia, which said, "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."

Cricket boards and players show support

Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board released a joint message following the killings, offering condolences to the victims, their families and the wider community. The statement read, "Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach yesterday evening. All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time. Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you."

Australian captain Pat Cummins also expressed shock and appealed for blood donations. He posted, "Absolutely devastated by the horror last night in Bondi. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi, and our Jewish community during this time. If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood."

The killings – believed to be the work of extremists targeting a Jewish celebration – have intensified security concerns in New South Wales and reopened painful discussions around hate crimes.