A group of around 50 teenagers forced their way into a Church of Scientology building in New York City on May 3, 2026, injuring a security guard and causing significant property damage. The incident took place at approximately 4:24 PM at the Church of Scientology on West 46th Street, just steps from Times Square.
The teens gained entry through a locked side door and quickly began damaging property. During the chaos, one security guard, aged 30, suffered minor injuries to his leg after being kicked. Witnesses reported that the group hurled racial slurs at staff members, escalating the situation further.
The Church of Scientology condemned this act as dangerous and disruptive. A spokesperson stated, “Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious spaces.” They emphasized that their facilities are meant to be peaceful places for visitors.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend known as “Scientology speed running,” where groups film themselves trespassing on Scientology properties for social media fame. Videos of similar break-ins have already circulated widely on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, raising concerns about the safety of religious spaces.
Similar incidents have also occurred in Los Angeles, prompting police there to monitor this alarming trend closely. The Church has called for the arrest of those involved in these acts as hate crimes. However, no arrests have been made yet in connection with this particular incident.
Officials have not confirmed the exact number of participants involved in other break-ins related to this trend. The investigation into the New York incident is ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety of community spaces.
