On Saturday afternoon, a group of unidentified individuals broke through a locked side door at the Church of Scientology's midtown Manhattan building, triggering a police response shortly after 4 p.m. According to a New York Police Department spokesperson, the group caused property damage during the forced entry and fled in an unknown direction. No arrests have been made.
During the incident, a 30-year-old male staff member was kicked in the leg and sustained minor injuries requiring medical attention, though he was not hospitalized. The church reported that roughly 30 people participated in the disruption, which occurred while a seminar was underway, potentially endangering staff, parishioners, and visitors. A church spokesperson stated that "property was damaged, objects were thrown, and a staff member was physically struck and injured."
Social media videos verified by NBC News captured the group forcing entry through the locked door before moving through interior hallways and taking items, including a folding chair. The incident appears connected to a viral trend based on the video game concept of "speed running," in which participants attempt to enter buildings, evade security, and leave as quickly as possible.
Videos depicting similar stunts at the Church of Scientology's Hollywood, California building have circulated widely on TikTok and Instagram, accumulating millions of views. Those videos typically show participants rushing inside, dodging church members and guards, before being escorted out.
The Church of Scientology characterized the incidents as "organized trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention," distinguishing them from the lighthearted framing some online observers have adopted. The church stated it welcomes "lawful visitors" but does not tolerate "individuals forcing entry, damaging property, threatening or injuring people, or targeting religious facilities for online attention."
The church said it is cooperating fully with the NYPD investigation and has provided available evidence, including video footage, to law enforcement.
