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Los Angeles has recently been captivated by a new trend that has seen groups of young men racing into the Church of Scientology’s headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard. These so-called “speed runs” have taken social media by storm, racking up millions of views on TikTok and igniting a wave of public interest in the church. In response to what they deem a serious breach of their sanctuaries, church officials have announced they are considering all legal options following a series of disruptive incidents.
Social Media Phenomenon Takes Off
Hollywood Boulevard, a bustling epicentre for tourists and entertainers, has become the backdrop for an unusual spectacle. Groups of predominantly teenage boys have been orchestrating rapid incursions into the Church of Scientology. These speed runs appear to be driven by a desire for social media fame, as footage of these escapades proliferates on platforms like TikTok. Some participants have even gone so far as to create detailed plans for navigating the church’s premises based on previously uploaded videos.
On Saturday, however, the trend escalated into what church representatives described as a “large-scale incident,” during which multiple individuals forced their way inside, resulting in injuries to staff members. In a statement, the church expressed its dismay, asserting, “These are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors, and members of the public. Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest, or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities.”
Church’s Response and Legal Considerations
In light of these events, the Church of Scientology is actively exploring legal remedies and has filed reports with law enforcement agencies. According to spokesperson David Bloomberg, at least one employee required medical attention due to injuries sustained during these incidents. The Los Angeles Police Department has recorded five reports of trespassing linked to the speed-running trend, two of which have been confirmed as related to the recent surge in activity. However, as of now, no arrests have been made.
The trend appears to have originated with an 18-year-old content creator known as Swhileyy, who posted a video of himself entering the church premises in March. This video has since been removed, but it reportedly gained traction after being shared by Streets LA, a popular TikTok account with over 330,000 followers. Swhileyy has since sought to distance himself from the phenomenon, stating, “I do not condone what I did, even though I didn’t break any laws.”
Celebrities Weigh In on the Debate
The Church of Scientology, established by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, has long been a subject of public scrutiny and speculation, particularly given its high-profile celebrity members, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Critics, including former church
