Approximately 30 people forced entry into the Church of Scientology's midtown Manhattan building Saturday, breaking through a locked side door and moving through hallways while grabbing items. Police responded after a 4 p.m. 911 call; a 30-year-old man was kicked and sustained minor injuries but was not hospitalized. Participants fled the scene and no arrests have been reported. Officials say the stunt appears tied to a viral "speed running" trend and the church is cooperating with the NYPD.
Viral "Speed Running" Stunt Hits Church Of Scientology In Midtown Manhattan — About 30 Forced Entry, One Injured
The Church of Scientology of New York in 2017. On Saturday, a group of individuals gained entry to the midtown Manhattan church after breaking through a locked door. (Sachelle Babbar / ZUMA Press Wire via Reuters)(Sachelle Babbar)
About 30 people forced their way into the Church of Scientology's midtown Manhattan building on Saturday in what officials say was an imitation of viral "speed running" stunts first seen at the church's Hollywood location. Social media footage verified by NBC News shows participants breaking through a locked side door, moving through interior hallways and grabbing items — including a folding chair.
Incident Details
Police responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress shortly after 4 p.m. Upon arrival, officers were told that a group of unidentified individuals had forcibly entered through a side door and caused property damage, a New York Police Department spokesperson said.
The Church of Scientology said roughly 30 people participated, property was damaged, objects were thrown, and a staff member was physically struck and required medical attention. According to the NYPD, a 30-year-old man suffered minor injuries after being kicked in the leg; he was not hospitalized. After the disruption, the participants fled in an unknown direction and no arrests had been made as of the police statement.
"Some online have referred to these incidents as 'speed running.' In reality, they involve organized trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention," a church spokesperson said.
Context And Response
The incident appears tied to an online trend inspired by the video-game concept of "speed running," where participants race to complete a task quickly. On social platforms, several videos filmed at the Church of Scientology's Hollywood building show groups rushing inside, sometimes evading staff and security until they are removed; many of those clips have drawn millions of views on TikTok and Instagram.
The Church of Scientology said it welcomes lawful visitors but not "individuals forcing entry, damaging property, threatening or injuring people, or targeting religious facilities for online attention." The organization said it is fully cooperating with NYPD investigators and has supplied available evidence, including video recordings of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing and the NYPD has not reported any arrests.
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