Teen Mob Wreaks Havoc at Times Square Scientology Church in Viral 'Speed Running' Stunt

A wild pack of teens stormed a Scientology church in Times Square Saturday, leaving chaos and a wounded security guard in their wake. This brazen act is just one of many similar viral stunts sweeping across the nation, according to police and eyewitnesses.

About 50 unruly youths burst through a locked side door of the Church of Scientology of New York around 4:24 p.m., trashing the place while worshipers attended a seminar. The scene was nothing short of pandemonium, with cops confirming the damage and injuries.

Among the chaos, a 30-year-old security guard was kicked in the leg, suffering minor injuries as he tried to protect the premises. The teens, fueled by the reckless “speed running” trend that has seen similar invasions at Scientology locations in Los Angeles, hurled racial slurs at staff members, adding insult to injury.

“I saw about 50 kids with masks and hoodies. All races—black, white, Asian—running,” said George Shannon, 58, a guard at the nearby Lunt-Fontanne Theater. “They were laughing, breaking chairs and tables, throwing books on the ground. It was pure vandalism.”

While police have yet to pinpoint a motive for this outrageous attack, the Church of Scientology International believes it’s part of a disturbing trend. “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.

The church elaborated, “A group of individuals forced their way into the Church of Scientology New York, broke a locked door to gain entry, and rushed into the building. This disruption endangered staff, parishioners, and visitors attending a seminar at the time. This was not a peaceful visit or lawful protest; it was a coordinated act involving forced entry, property damage, and physical aggression inside a house of worship.”

After wreaking havoc, the mob scattered in all directions as police arrived on the scene. No arrests have been made yet as investigations continue.

This Midtown incident mirrors the bizarre TikTok trend dubbed “Scientology speed running,” where thrill-seeking influencers film themselves charging into properties linked to the Church of Scientology. This reckless craze has erupted across Los Angeles since early April, raising security concerns for the church.

The Church of Scientology teaches that humans are immortal spiritual beings called “thetans” with limitless power. Founded in the 1950s by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, it promotes spiritual betterment through its teachings and rituals, with “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” as its cornerstone text.

Hollywood has played a significant role in boosting the church's visibility, thanks to high-profile members like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Other notable members include actresses Elisabeth Moss, Catherine Bell, Jenna Elfman, and Nancy Cartwright, famously known as Bart Simpson's voice on “The Simpsons.”

The church is cooperating with the NYPD as they investigate Saturday’s incident. “Church facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners and visitors,” they stated. “Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism or civic activity; it is trespass and harassment.”

Shannon expressed his disgust over the lawlessness he witnessed. “Honestly, I feel this is the responsibility of the city council and the Mayor,” he said. “The lack of rules and regulations makes people in New York City feel they can do whatever they want. That’s why these kids weren’t even scared.”