A Church of Scientology building in New York City became the latest target in a growing series of viral “speedrunning” incidents Saturday, as social media-fueled trespassing stunts continue spreading across the country and drawing increasing scrutiny from police and church officials.
According to the New York Police Department, a group of youths allegedly forced their way through a locked door at the Church of Scientology building on West 36th Street in Manhattan around 4:30 p.m. Once inside, the group allegedly threw objects, damaged property, and injured a staff member before the chaos ended.
No arrests have been announced, and the NYPD said the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident follows a broader trend that has exploded online in recent weeks, largely through TikTok and Instagram videos showing young people rushing into Scientology facilities and filming how far they can get before security stops them. The clips often feature crowds of teenagers sprinting through lobbies, hallways, and information centers while recording reactions from church staff and security personnel.
Several videos tied to the trend have already generated millions of views online.
One witness described the Manhattan scene to The Associated Press, saying he saw individuals wearing costumes and rushing into the building while bypassing security staff.
“I saw this man who was dressed in this neon green inflatable costume, and him and a couple of his friends went inside the building from the front door when it was open,” the witness said. “They passed the security guard. They passed multiple workers.”
Additional videos circulating online allegedly show groups of mostly adolescents flooding into church facilities as part of the stunt.
Church officials sharply condemned the trend, rejecting claims that the incidents are harmless pranks or internet entertainment. In a public statement, the Church of Scientology described the events as organized trespassing operations carried out for online attention.
“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 stated.
“Church facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors and members of the public. Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious spaces.”
The church also stressed that while visitors are welcome, forced entry, property damage, and threats against staff would not be tolerated.
The New York incident comes just weeks after a similar large-scale disruption at a Scientology building in Los Angeles on April 25. Following that event, church representatives said they were exploring “all available remedies” and had filed reports with law enforcement.
Despite the legal concerns, some online spectators have openly admitted they find the videos entertaining. Another witness speaking to The Associated Press acknowledged the appeal behind the trend while also recognizing the obvious legal issues involved.
“There’s a certain mystique about it,” the witness said. “I do get entertainment out of the speed runs. I think it’s pretty funny to see them break in. I know that technically it’s not allowed, but it kind of adds to the lore of this place.”
The trend reportedly began after an 18-year-old content creator posted a video in March showing himself entering a Scientology property. The creator, known online as @swhileyy, later distanced himself from the movement after the videos spread across social media.
“I do not condone what I did, even though I didn’t break any laws,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “I never once in any video or any comment section or anywhere promoted the idea of running through there or beating my record.”
Founded in the 1950s by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology has long remained a source of public fascination, controversy, and celebrity attention. High-profile figures connected to the church over the years have included Tom Cruise, Danny Masterson, and Leah Remini.
