What was supposed to be a peaceful moment of remembrance turned into an unsettling encounter for Qasim Rashid and his children.
While visiting the grave of his father in Villa Park, Illinois, Qasim was suddenly confronted with a wave of hateful, racist remarks—shocking behavior that has since gone viral.
Caught on Camera: The Confrontation
A now-trending video captures the disturbing moment when a man on a motorcycle—identified as Erik Ryan Sanborn—begins verbally harassing Qasim.
Although the words aren’t clearly audible in the clip, Qasim later confirmed that Sanborn used a racist slur, calling him a “sand ninja,” a derogatory term often aimed at individuals of Middle Eastern or South Asian descent.
The incident occurred while Qasim was simply trying to share a solemn family visit with his sons.
The video has sparked outrage online, with many expressing their disgust at the blatant racism.
Who Is Erik Ryan Sanborn?
Following the video’s circulation, internet users quickly identified the man as Erik Ryan Sanborn.
According to publicly available information, Sanborn works as a coach at Synaptyxs Health, a company involved in wellness and performance training.
As the video continues to gain traction, many are calling for accountability and raising broader questions about racism in everyday life—especially in moments and spaces meant for peace and reflection.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The clip was shared by several social media influencers, including @TizzyEnt, who helped amplify the message and push for further attention to the issue. You can view the full video here.
Now, many are asking—what happens next? Will there be consequences for Sanborn’s actions? Will the company he works for respond? And most importantly, how can we better protect spaces of grief and remembrance from such hateful disruptions?
This moment, though upsetting, has sparked a much-needed conversation—and it’s one that isn’t going away anytime soon.
