Arrests and shootings
The incident happened at approximately 11 p.m., according to Sweden-based The Local, and Momika was reportedly live-streaming at the time. Five people were arrested by police in relation to the crime, although they have not yet verified the victim’s name or the specifics of his injuries. Investigators are still looking into potential reasons for the attack.
Burnings of the Quran and international reaction
The 2023 Quran burnings by Momika and Najem drew global attention, especially from countries with a majority of Muslims. Violent protests followed the occurrences, and the Swedish embassy in Baghdad was attacked.
Who was Salwan Momika?
Momika was born into an Assyrian Catholic family and was originally from Qaraqosh in the Nineveh area of northern Iraq. He joined the Assyrian Patriotic Party and served as a security guard in Mosul during the 2006–2008 sectarian conflict.
He joined the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) after the Islamic State took Mosul in 2014; he can be seen in videos wearing military uniforms and swearing loyalty to the Imam Ali Brigades.