The tragic incident surrounding Salwan Momika, an Iraqi-Assyrian refugee, has taken a devastating turn with the release of a video showing the moment he was shot. The video, which has circulated widely on social media, captures the moment of the shooting and has stirred intense reactions globally. The circumstances leading to the shooting and its broader implications have left many questioning the motives behind the act. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what happened and the reactions that followed.
Who Was Salwan Momika?

Salwan Momika was a 38-year-old Iraqi-Assyrian refugee who gained significant international attention in 2023 for his controversial actions in Sweden. Born in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, he was raised in an Assyrian Catholic family. Momika became politically involved during Iraq’s civil unrest in the mid-2000s, aligning himself with the Assyrian Patriotic Party. His involvement in Iraq’s religious and political struggles deepened when he joined the Popular Mobilization Forces in 2014, following the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State (ISIS).
By 2017, after facing internal conflicts within the Babylon Movement, Momika fled Iraq and sought asylum in Sweden in 2018. He was granted a temporary residence permit that was valid until April 2024.
Controversial Protests in Sweden

Momika became infamous in 2023 for organizing public demonstrations in Sweden where he burned copies of the Quran, sparking international outrage. His actions led to diplomatic tensions between Sweden and several Muslim-majority countries, with many viewing his protests as acts of religious desecration. His acts were also linked to violent riots and civil unrest in some areas of Sweden.
Throughout his protests, he argued that his actions were not aimed at targeting Muslims but were directed at the religion of Islam itself. He claimed that his objective was to raise awareness about the potential dangers he saw in the Quran’s teachings and to “protect Sweden’s population” from its influence.
The Shooting Incident: What We Know

On the night of January 29, 2025, a shocking video began circulating online, showing Salwan Momika being shot in Södertälje, a city near Stockholm, Sweden. The video, which was recorded by a bystander, captures the exact moment of the shooting as Momika, who had been under investigation for his inflammatory protests, is seen suddenly collapsing after being struck by multiple gunshots.
Details of the Shooting
- Location: Södertälje, Sweden
- Date: January 29, 2025, around late evening
- Incident: The video shows a man, later identified as Salwan Momika, being shot while walking down the street. The gunman, who remains unidentified, appears to approach Momika before opening fire.
- Law Enforcement Response: Swedish police were quickly alerted to the scene and arrived shortly after the shooting. They discovered a man with gunshot wounds, later confirmed to be Momika.
Reports indicate that Momika was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
The Viral Video: Reactions and Impact

The video showing Salwan Momika’s shooting went viral almost immediately after it surfaced online. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, with millions of views in a matter of hours. The shocking nature of the footage, coupled with the controversial background of Momika, sparked intense debates on various topics, including:
- Freedom of Speech and Expression: Many questioned whether Momika’s actions, which led to legal charges in Sweden, should have been protected under freedom of expression. Others argued that his inflammatory protests crossed a line and may have contributed to escalating tensions, potentially making him a target.
- Violence and Retaliation: The shooting of Momika raised concerns about retaliatory violence in response to his actions. While some viewed the incident as a personal attack, others speculated that it could be linked to his controversial public acts, which had attracted both criticism and support from various communities.
Global Reactions
The shooting triggered a global outcry, with reactions coming from both sides of the debate. Some people condemned the violence, stating that it was wrong to resolve ideological differences through violence. On the other hand, others expressed sympathy for the victim, arguing that his actions warranted legal consequences, but not physical harm.
- Swedish Authorities: Swedish police have launched an investigation into the shooting, treating it as a homicide. However, as of now, no official suspects have been named.
- Diplomatic Implications: The video’s viral nature raised further concerns over the diplomatic relations between Sweden and Muslim-majority countries. Momika’s protests had already strained these relationships, and his death has the potential to escalate the situation further.
Aftermath and Legal Implications
Following Momika’s death, the Swedish legal system has faced pressure from both domestic and international parties. Authorities were already investigating him for agitation against ethnic groups, and his death may now lead to more legal and diplomatic consequences.
- Court Case Postponed: The court session, scheduled for January 30, 2025, where Momika was set to stand trial for his controversial protests, was postponed following his death.
- Police Investigation: Swedish police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, trying to determine whether it was an act of revenge or the result of a personal dispute.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Salwan Momika
Salwan Momika’s death marks a tragic and controversial chapter in Sweden’s ongoing debates about freedom of speech, religious freedom, and the limits of protest. His actions, which had already stirred up significant controversy, now leave behind a legacy that raises difficult questions about how societies should respond to provocative acts and the violence that can sometimes follow them.