Global 'Scientology speedrun' trend sparks police crackdowns and viral chaos
Consensus Summary
A viral TikTok trend called 'Scientology speedrunning' emerged in late March 2026 when users began filming themselves rushing Church of Scientology buildings to see how far they could enter before being stopped. The trend, inspired by a 90-million-view video of a Los Angeles raid, quickly spread globally, with coordinated attempts in the UK, Australia, and other countries. In the UK, about 100 teenagers gathered outside Londonâs Scientology centre on May 2, while in Australia, Sydney and Brisbane saw larger crowdsâover 100 in Sydney and more than 200 in Brisbaneâon May 11. Police in both countries dispersed the crowds, making arrests for trespassing, public nuisance, and property damage, including incidents where participants damaged police vehicles. The Church of Scientology condemned the actions as trespass and harassment, while critics argue the trend trivializes legitimate concerns about the organizationâs practices. Participants, however, frame it as a mix of curiosity and viral entertainment, often dressing in costumes to add humor to the stunts.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The trend began in late March 2026 when TikToker Swhileyy posted a video of rushing the Church of Scientologyâs LA headquarters, which gained 90 million views before deletion.
- On May 2, 2026, about 100 teenagers gathered outside the London Scientology centre near Blackfriars, with two City of London police vans present; no arrests were made.
- On May 11, 2026, Sydneyâs Scientology building on Castlereagh St was surrounded by about 100 young people; NSW police dispersed the crowd, arresting a 19-year-old woman (issued a criminal infringement notice) and a 17-year-old girl (not charged).
- On May 11, 2026, Brisbaneâs Scientology building on George St was targeted by over 200 people; a 15-year-old from Varsity Lakes and an 18-year-old from Deception Bay were charged (unlawful entry and public nuisance, respectively).
- The Church of Scientology condemned the speedruns as 'trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities,' stating staff were endangered and property damaged in some incidents.
- Speedrun participants often wore face coverings, cat masks, or costumes (e.g., dinosaurs, Jesus, Minions) to obscure identities and add surrealism to the trend.
- Police in multiple countries (UK, Australia, US) reported increased security and arrests related to the trend, with some incidents involving damage to police vehicles (e.g., BMX bike over a car in Brisbane).
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Rizak Abdullahi, 19, described the London speedrun crowd as including people dressed as dinosaurs and cat masks, with police arriving quickly.
- Levi Telford, 16, traveled from Carlisle to London to participate, citing the trend as the primary motivation.
- Alexander Barnes Ross, a UK Scientology protest leader, warned the trend risks undermining legitimate advocacy efforts.
- A group of 30 teenagers attempted a speedrun in Edinburgh but were stopped by police and took refuge in a Greggs.
- Drenched by rain, the Edinburgh group dispersed after the police intervention.
- In Brisbane, a 15-year-old was charged with unlawful entry of a vehicle (police car), and an 18-year-old was charged with public nuisance, driving carelessly, and failing to wear a helmet.
- Footage showed teenagers hopping into an unlocked police car and riding a BMX bike over its roof.
- Police in NSW and Queensland used riot squads to disperse crowds in Sydney and Brisbane.
- Queensland police expected about a dozen people for the Brisbane speedrun but were overwhelmed by over 200 attendees.
- Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Taylor labeled the behavior 'intimidation' and stated police are monitoring social media for such trends.
- A hotel worker near the Brisbane Scientology building described the crowd rushing the door in small groups before gathering.
- Taylor warned that passive filming of the events is 'tacit approval' of the behavior.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states no arrests were made in London, while ABC and Newscomau report arrests in Sydney and Brisbane but do not mention London arrests.
- Newscomau and ABC report a 15-year-old was charged with unlawful entry of a vehicle in Brisbane, but the Guardian does not mention this specific charge.
- The Guardian and Newscomau describe the Sydney crowd as 'about 100 young people,' while ABC does not specify a number for Sydney but focuses on Brisbaneâs 200-person crowd.
- The Guardian mentions a Snapchat post about the London speedrun on May 2, but Newscomau and ABC do not reference this specific origin.
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