Viral trend raises security concerns for the Church of Scientology

Key Points:

• A social media trend called “Scientology speedrunning” involves groups, often in costumes, quickly entering Church of Scientology properties to map the buildings and gather information, with many videos posted on TikTok since early April.
• The Los Angeles Police Department has responded to multiple incidents linked to this trend, including one investigated as a potential hate crime; the Church of Scientology has removed all external door handles on its Hollywood Boulevard properties in response.
• Scientology officials condemned the actions as trespassing and harassment, noting that a staff member was injured during one of the incidents and required medical attention.
• Participants in the trend are mostly young, with some witnesses describing the behavior as juvenile and motivated largely by fun or social media amusement rather than clear protest or journalism.
• The trend has drawn attention partly because of Scientology’s celebrity connections, including Tom Cruise, and has sparked mixed reactions from locals who find it entertaining or contributing to the church’s mystique despite its disruptive nature.