A group, reportedly consisting of around 50 individuals—many of whom are thought to be teenagers—attempted to force their way into the Church of Scientology’s downtown San Diego location. The attempt involved kicking doors, banging on windows, and spitting on the property in what appeared to be a bold act meant to go viral online.
The chaotic scene unfolded at the church’s Fourth Avenue site on Saturday. The crowd, arriving both on foot and by bicycle, tried to storm the so-called “top secret fortress” of the church.
Reports indicate that the mob managed to breach a secured section, damaging locks and destroying a surveillance camera before law enforcement arrived on the scene.
“This was neither a peaceful visit nor a lawful protest. It was a deliberate effort to invade a religious facility, commit property damage, and disrupt its functions,” a spokesperson for the church explained to CBS8.
The spokesperson emphasized that church buildings are meant to be sanctuaries that welcome parishioners, visitors, and the general public. Turning them into targets for online stunts is not journalism, protest, or civic engagement, but rather acts of trespass, harassment, and interference with religious operations.
San Diego police reported that there were no arrests that day, but they are currently reviewing evidence to identify those involved in the incident.
“Crimes committed against religious institutions will not be tolerated,” San Diego Police told the outlet.
This is just one of several incidents across California. The trend took off in early April, with users on social media posting videos of themselves — sometimes inexplicably in costume — entering multiple properties owned or otherwise occupied by the Church of Scientology.
Participants film themselves “speedrunning” through the building or aiming to complete a task as fast as possible. That task? Map out the church’s buildings and gather as much information as possible about the organization’s inner workings.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it has responded to multiple incidents in the past month, including the one witnessed by Buensuceso, which was investigated as a potential hate crime.
Last month, a group of dressed-up minions attempted a speed run at the Scientology headquarters in LA.
A TikTok video captures people in Minion costumes reenacting a Despicable Me scene — likely mocking the lovable yellow creatures designed to serve so-called evil masters.
