Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images News / Getty Images
A viral social media trend that sees young people racing through Church of Scientology buildings in Hollywood has prompted the organization to remove door handles, restrict public entry, and blast participants for what it calls organized trespassing, as police launch hate crime investigations into at least one incident.
Videos of the trend, known as "speed running," a term borrowed from the world of competitive gaming, show participants, often in masks or costumes, rushing into Scientology properties on Hollywood Boulevard, dodging security guards and staff before being escorted out. Some of the clips have racked up millions of views across social media.
David Bloomberg, a Scientology spokesman, condemned the activity in a statement, saying the incidents are far from harmless fun. "These incidents are not 'speed running,'" Bloomberg said. "They are organized trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention. Over recent weeks, individuals have repeatedly forced their way into Church properties on Hollywood Boulevard, disrupted religious and public facilities, damaged Church property, and endangered staff, parishioners and visitors."
The tension came to a head on Saturday (April 26), when dozens of people stormed the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition and the church's public information center, both on Hollywood Boulevard. Video of the incident shows a crowd that included a person dressed as Jesus Christ and another in a Sonic the Hedgehog costume yanking open the building's doors, even as a security guard tried to hold them shut. Once inside, at least a dozen people in face coverings and ski masks ran through the building's rooms. Several staff members were "knocked down in the chaos." The church said at least one staff member required medical attention following a recent "speed run."
By Sunday (April 27), door handles had been removed from all three of the church's Hollywood Boulevard properties. Guards were spotted blocking entrances on Monday (April 28).
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed it has received five reports of trespassing at Scientology's Hollywood properties this year, with four calls coming in on Monday alone. Police said the trend was partly fueled by a post on X offering a financial incentive for "speed run" videos. So far, no arrests have been made, but officials have opened at least two cases as hate-crime investigations. The LAPD's Major Crimes Division is also investigating the Saturday incident as an alleged hate crime, and at least two suspects from that group are wanted — one on suspicion of burglary, another on suspicion of felony vandalism. A report for vandalism and battery with a hate crime enhancement was completed at the scene.
The church said it documents and reports every incident to law enforcement and is "reviewing all available remedies" to protect staff, visitors, and parishioners. "The Church welcomes lawful visitors," its statement read. "It does not welcome mobs forcing entry, damaging property, disrupting religious spaces or endangering people for views."
The LAPD said it is conducting extra patrols in and around the area to deter further incidents.