An Iraqi man, Salwan Momika, who became widely known for burning copies of the Quran in Sweden has been shot dead in a suspected assassination while streaming live on TikTok.
Momika, 38, was fatally shot in an apartment in the city of Södertälje, near Stockholm, on Wednesday night.
Swedish media reported that he was broadcasting live when the attack occurred, and a video later showed police ending a livestream believed to be from his account.
Momika gained international attention in 2023 after staging public protests in which he desecrated the Quran, leading to widespread anger across Muslim nations. His actions sparked diplomatic tensions for Sweden, with several countries condemning the demonstrations.
The controversial figure was due to hear a court ruling on Thursday in a case where he and fellow protester Salwan Najem were accused of inciting hatred by burning Qurans and making offensive remarks about Muslims. However, the Stockholm District Court postponed its decision following his death.
Swedish police said officers arrived at the scene on Wednesday night to find Momika with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital but did not survive.
Authorities later confirmed that five people had been arrested in connection with the killing, but it remains unclear if the shooter is among those in custody.
According to reports, the attacker may have gained access to the building through the roof. Police have launched an investigation, and Sweden’s security service is involved, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stating that there is a possibility of a link to a foreign entity.
Momika, an Iraqi Christian, arrived in Sweden in 2018 and was granted a temporary residence permit in 2021. He was previously arrested in Norway after attempting to seek asylum there but was sent back to Sweden.
