Salwan Momika, an Iraqi-Assyrian refugee who gained attention for burning copies of the Quran in Sweden, has reportedly died in a shooting. The Associated Press confirmed his death on Thursday, but details about how he died are still unclear.
Momika, 38, became well-known in 2023 for organizing public protests where he desecrated the Quran. His actions caused tensions between Sweden and several Muslim-majority countries and led to riots in various places.
Swedish authorities were investigating Momika for inciting hatred against ethnic groups. A court hearing was scheduled for Thursday morning, where he was supposed to appear with another person, but it was postponed after news of his death.
Police responded to a shooting in Södertälje, near Stockholm, on Wednesday night and found a man with gunshot wounds. While the police have not confirmed the victim’s identity, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that it was Momika.
