On Monday, three individuals were apprehended on hate crime allegations for reportedly vandalizing the Church of Scientology in Midtown earlier this month. This development came after the NYPD shared startling footage featuring the mob’s antics.
According to law enforcement, Jaelen Dinkens, 19, and Mohammed Amolegbe, 21, face charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and assault, all classified as hate crimes. These charges were filed over three weeks after a group of 31 stormed through a secured side door of the premises on West 46th Street during a seminar on May 2, while worshipers and attendees were present.
Additionally, Tashaun Simms, 28, is accused of obstructing governmental administration and tampering with physical evidence, as per the authorities.
The video released by the NYPD on Sunday depicts the suspects, clad in backpacks and hoodies, seemingly amused as they forced their way into the building. The footage shows them toppling a storage unit and almost trampling over each other. One individual appears to be taking photos, while another sprays silly string at a security camera.
The group, which the church claims was likely motivated by a social media “speed running” trend, caused damages amounting to $10,000. The perpetrators also assaulted a 30-year-old male employee by kicking him in the leg, according to police reports.
The victim suffered minor injuries but did not require hospitalization, officials confirmed.
While police did not address a motive for the attack, The Church of Scientology International, based in Los Angeles, said that they believe it is part of the recent viral trend
“Some online have referred to these incidents as ‘speed running.’ In reality, they involve organized trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention,” the church said.
“A group of individuals forced their way into the Church of Scientology New York, broke a locked door to gain entry, and rushed into the building,” the church added.
“The disruption endangered staff, parishioners and visitors, including individuals attending a seminar at the time. This was not a peaceful visit or lawful protested. It was a coordinated act involving forced entry, property damage, and physical aggression inside a house of worship.”
The Midtown incident mirrors the bizarre new TikTok trend dubbed “Scientology speed running” — which uses a video game term to describe groups of thrill-seeking influencers and troublemakers filming themselves charging into properties owned or tied to the Church of Scientology since early April.
