A group of teenagers and young adults descended upon the Church of Scientology in New York City in early May, causing significant damage estimated at over $10,000. This chaotic incident, captured in a video obtained by Fox News Digital, is believed to have been fueled by a viral trend on social media.
On May 2, the unruly crowd, numbering more than 30, forced their way through a locked side entrance on West 46th Street while a service was underway inside. This was confirmed by the New York Police Department’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI) to Fox News Digital.
The intruders wreaked havoc by hurling chairs and damaging property. Video footage reveals some of them grinning as they sprayed silly string on security cameras. Additionally, some participants were seen with professional cameras, likely documenting the event in imitation of a similar West Coast trend.
In Los Angeles, teenagers have been partaking in so-called “speed runs,” where they rush into Scientology churches and record themselves attempting to remain inside the religious site for as long as they can.
Teens Accused of Breaking into NYC Church of Scientology Amid Latest Viral ‘Speedrunning’ Craze
Suspects involved in the break-in at New York’s Church of Scientology have drawn attention for their participation in this disruptive trend, as noted by the New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI).
The New York edition resulted in hate crime charges for two of the alleged participants. 29-year-old Jaelen Dinkens and 21-year-old Mohammed Amolegbe were charged with burglary, criminal mischief and assault as hate crimes while 28-year-old Tashaun Simms was charged with obstructing governmental administration and tampering with physical evidence, according to the New York Post.
VIRAL TIKTOK TREND OF TEENS RUNNING THROUGH SCIENTOLOGY BUILDINGS SPARKS HATE CRIME ALLEGATIONS
Suspects in the burglary of New York’s Church of Scientology (New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI))
Participants in the episode also injured an employee of the church, a 30-year-old who sustained minor injuries after being kicked in the leg.
“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 told the New York Post.
Suspects in the burglary of New York’s Church of Scientology (New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI))
“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 told the outlet.
“The disruption endangered staff, parishioners and visitors, including individuals attending a seminar at the time. This was not a peaceful visit or lawful protest. It was a coordinated act involving forced entry, property damage, and physical aggression inside a house of worship.”
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