Scientology ‘speed running’ trend has LA abuzz and church unhappy
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Hollywood Boulevard has seen a surge in "speed runs," where mostly adolescent boys and young men rush the Church of Scientology's international headquarters, with videos gaining millions of views on TikTok.
- The Church of Scientology condemned these incidents as trespassing, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities, reporting injuries to staff and filing complaints with law enforcement.
- Los Angeles police have received multiple trespassing reports linked to the speed runs but have made no arrests so far.
- The trend appears to have been sparked by an 18-year-old content creator known as Swhileyy, who has since distanced himself from encouraging the raids.
- Critics like former Scientologist Leah Remini have called the trend unhelpful, urging people to focus on exposing the church's alleged abuses rather than engaging in viral stunts.
