Fatal Shooting of Salwan Momika During TikTok Livestream in Sweden

In a shocking incident that has drawn significant attention, Salwan Momika, an Iraqi known for his controversial Koran burnings in Sweden, was shot and killed on January 29, 2025, while streaming live on TikTok. The shooting took place on the balcony of his apartment in Södertälje, a suburb near Stockholm. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries later that night in a hospital.

The public burnings of the Koran orchestrated by Momika had previously heightened tensions between Sweden and various Muslim-majority nations. His actions were widely condemned, leading to increased security concerns within Sweden, including a raised terror alert level.

Following the shooting, Swedish authorities arrested five individuals as part of the ongoing investigation. However, they were released shortly thereafter due to insufficient evidence to justify their detention, as confirmed by lead prosecutor Rasmus Öhman. The Swedish Security Service (Säpo) is also involved in the inquiry, which could potentially reveal connections to broader security issues.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the shooting was visible in real-time on Momika's livestream, with reports indicating that a gunshot was heard just moments after he stepped outside for a smoke. His TikTok account had amassed a following of approximately 164,000 users, and he was known for his frequent live broadcasts.

This tragic event occurred just one day before a court was set to deliver a verdict in a hate speech trial against Momika and another individual, Salwan Najem. The trial had garnered attention due to its implications for free speech and public safety in Sweden. Following the news of Momika's death, Najem expressed his concerns about his own safety online.

Momika had previously argued that his public protests were aimed at opposing the religion of Islam rather than its followers. His actions, including the burning of the Koran, had sparked outrage worldwide, particularly in Iraq, where protests led to the storming of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad in 2023. The Iraqi government had even requested his extradition.

In light of these events, the Swedish government faced increased pressure regarding its stance on free speech and the consequences of such actions. The Koran burnings not only strained Sweden's diplomatic relations with multiple countries but also complicated its application for NATO membership, as Turkey had expressed strong opposition to Momika's activities.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the situation during a press conference, acknowledging the growing violence related to organized crime within Sweden and the challenges it poses to public safety. He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing these issues, but admitted that the situation remains under control.

Momika's history included affiliations with far-right political movements in Sweden, and he had previously expressed aspirations to enter the political arena. Despite his outspoken views against Islam, he claimed that he was a victim of injustice from Swedish authorities, asserting that he had been targeted since his demonstrations began.

This incident raises significant questions regarding the balance between free expression and public safety in Sweden, a country known for its commitment to democratic values. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the motives behind Momika's murder and any potential links to wider threats against individuals involved in controversial speech.