Youths Break Into Manhattan Scientology Church Amid Viral Speed‑Running Trend

A spike in unlawful entries at Scientology buildings has alarmed communities nationwide. Clips of the so‑called “speed running” trend have amassed millions of views on TikTok, showing mostly adolescent boys and young men rushing church entrances. The trend traces back to an 18‑year‑old creator known as Swhileyy, who posted an Instagram video in March of himself breaching a church property before later distancing himself from the activity. In April, a similar large‑scale incident occurred at the church’s international headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where dozens of individuals forced entry and knocked down staff members. Leah Remini, a former member and critic of Scientology, called the trend unhelpful, arguing it reinforces believers’ perceptions of external threats.

On Saturday, a group forced the locked door of the Church of Scientology on West 36th Street in Manhattan, entered while a seminar was underway, threw objects, damaged property and injured a staff member who required medical attention. Another staff member reported being subjected to a racial slur during the breach. The church described the act as a coordinated forced entry, property damage and physical aggression, insisting it was not a peaceful protest. Authorities have made no arrests, and the church said it is cooperating with the New York Police Department as the investigation continues. Police have received multiple reports of trespassing linked to the speed‑running phenomenon in both New York and Los Angeles. The church emphasized that its facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome visitors, and that turning them into targets for viral stunts constitutes trespass, harassment and disruption of religious practice.

The incident highlights how online challenges can translate into real‑world harm, raising concerns about the safety of religious venues and the liability of platforms that host viral content. Law enforcement may increase patrols around prominent houses of worship, while religious groups could seek stronger legal remedies against organized trespass. Lawmakers might consider regulations that specifically address social‑media challenges encouraging illegal entry onto private property. Watch for possible new regulations targeting social‑media challenges that encourage illegal entry, and for any charges that may emerge from the ongoing NYPD investigation.