‘I couldn’t put it into words’: Sonny Bill Williams reacts to New Zealand massacre

New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has shared an emotional video in the wake of the Christchurch mosque massacre.

Sonny Bill Williams has shared an emotional video in response to the Christchurch mosque massacre.

The New Zealand All Blacks and Blues rugby star said he was struggling to comprehend what had happened.

“Just heard the news and I couldn’t put it into words how I’m feeling right now,” Williams said in the video, holding back tears.

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“Just sending my duas to the families apparently there’s close to 30 people dead.

“I’m deeply, deeply saddened that this would happen in New Zealand.”

Williams, 33, is of Muslim faith and was the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks. “Dua” is an Islam term meaning “profound act of worship”.

My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 15, 2019

Williams went on to say that his “heart is hurting” over the news, and that he is sending “love and prayers” to the victims.

The celebrated All Black converted to Islam in 2009.

His post came shortly after a gunman lifestreamed himself opening fire at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, killing up to 27 people, and posting a manifesto online addressing his reasons for the attack.

Police have taken one person into custody after the gunman shot at worshippers with his semiautomatic weapon as they gathered for Friday prayers.

The gunman has been confirmed to be Australian man Brenton Tarrant, 28, who wrote a chilling statement declaring his evil intentions.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has warned there is no place in her country for extreme violence.

“What I can say is that it is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” Ms Ardern said.

Originally published as ‘I couldn’t put it into words’: Sonny Bill Williams reacts to New Zealand massacre