The Church of Scientology on West 36th Street in Manhattan was reportedly breached Saturday afternoon by a group of youths tied to a viral social media stunt known as “speedrunning.” Witnesses and videos show teens rushing through the facility, allegedly damaging property and injuring a staff member. The church called the incidents organized trespasses and has notified law enforcement after similar events, including an April 25 episode in Los Angeles. The NYPD said the investigation is ongoing and no arrests were immediately reported.
Youths Accused of Breaching NYC Church of Scientology in Viral 'Speedrunning' Stunt
The Church of Scientology building is shown in Los Angeles.(Getty Images)
A Church of Scientology building on West 36th Street in Manhattan was allegedly breached on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. when a group of youths forced entry through a locked door, according to the New York Police Department. Authorities say the group threw objects, damaged property and injured a staff member before leaving the premises.
Videos Show Copycat ‘Speedrunning’ Stunts
Video clips circulating on social media depict mostly adolescents rushing through Scientology information centers to see how far they can get before being stopped — a trend often described online as “speedrunning.” Clips tied to the trend have accumulated millions of views across platforms, including a widely shared video from Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
"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," the Church of Scientology said in a statement.
The church has said these actions amount to trespass, harassment and disruption of religious spaces and that it has reported incidents to law enforcement. Church officials indicated they were "reviewing all available remedies" after a similar large-scale event in Los Angeles on April 25.
Witness Accounts and Origins of the Trend
One witness told The Associated Press they observed people — including a person in a neon-green inflatable costume — enter the front door, pass a security guard and move through the building while employees were present. Other videos show crowds of teens moving quickly through public areas of church sites.
The NYPD is investigating a recent "speedrunning" incident in the city.
News reports trace the trend to an 18-year-old content creator who posted a March Instagram video showing himself breaching a property. That clip has been removed; the creator, known online as @swhileyy, has since publicly distanced himself from copycat incidents and told The Hollywood Reporter he does not condone the behavior.
Law Enforcement Response
The NYPD said it is investigating the Manhattan incident and that no arrests had been reported immediately following the event. Authorities nationwide have received multiple complaints related to similar stunts, and the Church of Scientology has urged law enforcement intervention to protect staff and visitors.
Background: Founded in the 1950s by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology has long drawn public attention and scrutiny. High-profile figures associated with or linked to the church include Tom Cruise, Danny Masterson and Leah Remini.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Fox News Digital sought comment from the Church of Scientology.
Help us improve.
