Mob of teens storms Times Square Scientology church amid viral ‘speed running’ trend
Approximately 50 teenagers stormed the Church of Scientology in Times Square on Saturday afternoon, causing property damage and injuring a security guard. The incident is part of a viral social media trend known as 'Scientology speed running,' where participants film themselves rushing into Scientology properties. No arrests have been made, and the NYPD continues to investigate the event.
- ▪About 50 teens entered the Church of Scientology of New York on West 46th Street around 4:24 p.m. on May 2, 2026.
- ▪A 30-year-old security guard was kicked and sustained minor injuries during the incident.
- ▪The disturbance is linked to a viral TikTok trend called 'Scientology speed running' that has spread across the U.S. since early April.
- ▪Hollywood celebrities such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta have long been prominent supporters of the Church of Scientology.
- ▪The church, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, is based on spiritual beliefs outlined in his book 'Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.'
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Metro Mob of teens storms Times Square Scientology church amid viral ‘speed running’ trend By Larry Celona, Marie Pohl and Anna Young Published May 2, 2026, 10:11 p.m. ET A mob of rowdy teens stormed a Big Apple Scientology church Saturday afternoon, trashing the property and injuring a security guard amid a nation-wide rash of similar viral social media stunts, police and sources said. About 50 unruly youths barreled through the side door of the Church of Scientology of New York — which sits just off Times Square on West 46th Street — at around 4:24 p.m., damaging the premises, according to the NYPD and law enforcement sources. They also kicked a 30-year-old man believed to be a security guard, who was walloped in the leg and sustained minor injuries.
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