A group of unruly minors stormed a New York City Church of Scientology building on Saturday, injuring an employee and causing property damage in what authorities believe is part of a dangerous social media trend.
The incident occurred around 4:24 PM at the church's location on West 46th Street, near Times Square, according to the NYPD. Officers responded to a burglary-in-progress call after the mob forced entry through a side door. A 30-year-old male employee was kicked in the leg during the invasion but was not hospitalized. The suspects fled before police arrived, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains open.
The Church of Scientology told TMZ that the intruders broke a locked door to gain entry and, in addition to injuring an employee, used a racial slur against another staff member. The church described the disruption as endangering staff, parishioners, and visitors, including those attending a seminar at the time.
Social media video shows a group of hooded teens rampaging through the building, seemingly unfazed by the damage they caused. The NYPD has not confirmed whether the footage is linked to Saturday's raid, but the videos appeared shortly after the incident.
The break-in appears tied to a viral online challenge called "Speed Runs," which encourages minors to break into Scientology buildings and cause chaos. Just last week, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a similar call involving about 50 juveniles causing a disturbance at a Church of Scientology building in Hollywood.
The Church of Scientology condemned the New York incident, stating: "Church facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors and members of the public. Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious spaces."
The church says it is cooperating with law enforcement and has provided video evidence.