Salwan Momika, the Iraqi immigrant who stirred massive protests by burning a Quran in Stockholm in 2023, has been killed. The Swedish Prosecution Authority confirmed his death early Thursday, sparking a murder investigation that led to the arrest of five individuals.

The incident unfolded late Wednesday in Sodertalje, a city near Stockholm, where police responded to a shooting. Though authorities didn’t immediately confirm Momika’s identity, the prosecution later confirmed he was the victim.

Momika was no stranger to controversy. His Quran-burning act outside a mosque during a sacred Islamic holiday ignited anger across the Muslim world and in Sweden. Despite widespread condemnation, Swedish authorities cited free speech laws as a barrier to stopping his protest, though his permit had explicitly prohibited burning objects.

He faced charges of incitement against an ethnic or national group and was set to appear in court on the day of his death. Momika had previously defended his actions, claiming they highlighted the mistreatment of Christian minorities by Islamist groups.

The circumstances surrounding his killing remain unclear, and it’s unknown if it’s linked to his anti-Islam stance. Authorities are continuing their investigation as the story develops.

Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation.