Youths force entry into New York Scientology church
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 3
Youths force entry into New York Scientology church
4 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 3
At the Manhattan site on West 36th Street, intruders broke through a locked door during a seminar, threw objects, damaged property and left one staff member needing medical attention.
The church said another staff member was targeted with a racial slur, called the incident a coordinated trespass and said no arrests had been made as New York police investigated.
It follows similar viral "speed running" incidents at Scientology sites, including a large Los Angeles breach on 25 April, as clips spread on TikTok and church critics warn the stunt is counterproductive.
Will social media platforms face legal action for hosting the viral 'church run' trend?
As attacks escalate, will 'speed running' against Scientology be prosecuted as a hate crime?
Is the viral 'speed running' trend actually helping the Church of Scientology's cause?