NYC Scientology Church Raided by Youths in Viral ‘Speed Running’ Attack

Context A wave of coordinated trespasses has swept across Scientology facilities in recent weeks, driven by social‑media challenges that prize rapid, unauthorized entry. The phenomenon, dubbed “speed running,” originated from an 18‑year‑old creator who posted a breach video that quickly amassed millions of views on TikTok. Although the originator now distances himself from the trend, the challenge persists, targeting both the church’s headquarters in Los Angeles and satellite locations.

Key Facts On Saturday, a group of adolescents forced open a locked door at the Church of Scientology on West 36th Street, Manhattan. Inside a seminar, they threw objects, shattered fixtures and struck a staff member who required medical attention. The church’s statement called the episode “a coordinated act involving forced entry, property damage, and physical aggression,” rejecting any claim that it was a peaceful protest. A second staff member reported hearing a racial slur during the chaos. No arrests have been made, and New York police are investigating while the church cooperates with authorities. The incident mirrors a larger breach on 25 April in Los Angeles, where dozens of individuals stormed the Hollywood Boulevard headquarters, knocked down staff and prompted police reports. That earlier event also left at least one employee injured and led the church to review legal remedies. Law enforcement in Los Angeles recorded five trespassing complaints linked to “speed running,” two directly tied to the viral challenge. The church emphasizes that its facilities are intended for worship and public information, not for stunt‑driven disruption.

What It Means The New York raid underscores how quickly online challenges can translate into real‑world violence, especially when they target high‑profile religious sites. As the trend spreads, authorities may face pressure to tighten security around vulnerable institutions and to pursue charges for trespass and assault. Watch for potential legal actions against participants and for any statements from social‑media platforms regarding the removal of “speed running” content.

*What to watch next:* law‑enforcement responses in New York and Los Angeles, and whether TikTok or Instagram will curb the spread of similar trespassing challenges.