Swedish authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old Iraqi refugee known for publicly burning copies of the Quran in 2023. Momika was shot and killed late Wednesday in an apartment in Södertälje, near Stockholm, just hours before a court verdict was expected in his trial for incitement to racial hatred.
Swedish police arrested five individuals in connection with the killing. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the gunman is among them. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Sweden’s security services are involved due to concerns about possible foreign influence in the attack. The Swedish Security Service is assessing the shooting’s potential impact on national security.
Momika’s Quran burnings in 2023 sparked international outrage and security threats against Sweden. His demonstrations were initially blocked by Swedish authorities but later allowed under free speech protections. The incidents led to heightened terrorist threats, protests in the Middle East, and delays in Sweden’s NATO membership process.
In 2023, Swedish migration authorities sought to deport Momika for providing false information on his residency application, but the move was blocked due to the risk of torture in Iraq. He later attempted to seek asylum in Norway but was deported back to Sweden.
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch condemned the murder, calling it a threat to democracy.
Momika was reportedly live-streaming on TikTok when he was shot, and Swedish media have circulated footage of police recovering his phone from the scene. Swedish authorities continue to investigate the murder and potential foreign involvement.
