The couples perfect existence is disrupted after the September 11 attacks in New York City . Mark goes to cover the war in Afghanistan and dies there . At the same time , the Khan family begins to experience post 9-11 prejudice in their community and Reese begins to turn against Sameer as well . An argument between them turns into a racially motivated schoolyard fight between Sameer and a number of older students . Reese tries to stop the fight but is held back and Sameer gets punched and kicked multiple times by the group of older students . Sameer , angry , calls the leader of the gang an asshole , resulting in the leader kicking a soccer ball at Sameer 's stomach , knocking him out . The gang threatens to hurt Reese if he tells anyone what happened . Sameer is then taken to the hospital , but dies due to internal bleeding and spleen rupture . Shattered , Mandira blames Rizwan for his death stating that Sameer " died only because his name was Khan " , telling Rizwan that she no longer wants to be with him . When he asks her what he has to do in order for them to be together , she tells him sarcastically that he has to tell the people of the United States and the President that " my name is Khan and that I am not a terrorist "
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
My Name Is Khan