Church of Scientology in Hollywood steps up security after ‘speed running’ trend
by Juliet La Sala · The Washington TimesThe Church of Scientology has increased security at its Hollywood buildings to deter a TikTok trend in which teenagers run through its facilities to see how far they can go before being stopped, several news outlets report.
Called “Scientology speedrun,” the trend began in March, when an 18-year-old TikTok user ran through the church’s lobby in Hollywood. The video gained roughly 90 million views.
The trend escalated on April 18, when a group of teens stormed the church’s information center, knocking a staff member to the ground before fleeing through a fire escape.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime, with participants potentially facing battery charges from the staffer who was knocked down.
• Juliet La Sala can be reached at jlasala@washingtontimes.com.