Church of Scientology blasts TikTok 'speed running' trend as viral videos circulate

Nbcwashington · Apr 30, 2026 · 810 words · By Marlene Lenthang; NBC News

Social Media Influence on Physical Spaces Religious Freedom vs. Public Order

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What to know about Social Media Influence on Physical Spaces

A Church of Scientology building in the heart of Hollywood removed its door handles and restricted public entry this week after a bizarre social media trend prompted young people to rush inside and race through its halls.

Claims checked 16

Techniques found 3

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left12%

Center76%

Right12%

8 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Why it matters

Videos of the trend, some of which have picked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, feature participants recording themselves “speed running,” as if in a video game, through Scientology’s buildings in Hollywood.

Common ground

They are often seen dodging screaming church members and security guards until they are ultimately escorted out.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Name Calling / Labeling, Selective Omission: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Social Media Influence on Physical Spaces story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that Police said officers at the scene completed a report for vandalism and battery with a hate crime involved?
How does this story connect Social Media Influence on Physical Spaces with Religious Freedom vs. Public Order over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/church-of-scientology-…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 3 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 80% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Name Calling / Labeling 70% confidence

Attaching a negative label to a person or group to reject them without evidence.

Why it matters: Recognizing name calling / labeling helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Selective Omission 60% confidence

Deliberately leaving out important context or facts that would change interpretation.

Why it matters: Recognizing selective omission helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 16 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

check_circle Corroborated 7

schedule Pending 6

info Single Source 2

help Insufficient Evidence 1

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Claim 1: “Police said officers at the scene completed a report for vandalism and battery with a hate crime involved.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 2: “Videos of the trend, some of which have picked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, feature participants recording themselves “speed running,” as if in a video game, through Scientology’s buildings in Hollywood.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results confirm that the viral trend involves participants filming themselves 'speed running' through Scientology buildings in Hollywood, as seen on social media platforms.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Scientology Speedrunning, sometimes called a Scientology run, is a 2026 TikTok trend in which participants attempt to "speedrun" through Church of Scientology facilities while filming themselves.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_Speedrunning

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — A Church of Scientology building in the heart of Hollywood removed its door handles and restricted public entry this week amid a bizarre TikTok 'speed running' trend.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/church-of-scientology-b…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Viral "speed running" stunts at Scientology buildings in Hollywood are drawing police scrutiny after videos showed masked teens and costumed participants forcing their way into Church of Scientology p…
https://www.foxnews.com/media/viral-tiktok-trend-teens-runni…

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Claim 3: “Scientology is a fiercely private religious group that follows the teachings of founder L. Ron Hubbard and has celebrity adherent, including A-list stars like Tom Cruise and John Travolta.”

CORROBORATED

Web search results and Wikipedia entries confirm that Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard and that the organization has a history of recruiting celebrities for public relations. While the evidence does not list Tom Cruise and John Travolta specifically, it confirms the core claims about the founder and celebrity adherents.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (March 13, 1911 – January 24, 1986) was an American author and the founder of Scientology. A prolific writer of pulp science fiction and fantasy novels in his early career, in…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Ron_Hubbard

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Church of Scientology has recruited celebrities for their endorsement of Scientology as a public relations strategy. The organization has had a written program governing celebrity recruitment sinc…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_and_celebrities

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Since the founding of the Church of Scientology in 1954 by L. Ron Hubbard, the relationship between Scientology and psychiatry has been dominated by strong opposition by the organization against the m…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_and_psychiatry

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 4: ““I do not condone what I did, even though I didn’t break any laws,” the creator, who goes by Swhileyy online, told the outlet. “All I did was explore the building. I was never asked not to come back to the premises.””

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 5: “The 18-year-old content creator who is purported to have started the trend recently told The Hollywood Reporter that he wants the copycats to stop.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

check_circle

Claim 6: “A Church of Scientology building in the heart of Hollywood removed its door handles and restricted public entry this week after a bizarre social media trend prompted young people to rush inside and race through its halls.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results report that a TikTok 'speed running' trend prompted the removal of door handles and restriction of public entry at a Hollywood Scientology building. This is reported by multiple independent news sources.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Church of Scientology was started in 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard to promote and practice his Scientology theories and techniques. The term 'Church of Scientology' (abbreviated 'the Church') does not re…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Scientology

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Church of Scientology (COS) owns hundreds of properties worldwide, with major concentrations in Los Angeles, California and Clearwater, Florida, a 500-acre compound in Southern California, a 55-ac…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_properties

+ 3 more evidence sources

help

Claim 7: ““Staff members were knocked down in the chaos, and the Church is reviewing all available remedies to protect its personnel, visitors and property,” the statement said.”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found in the provided web search or Wikipedia results to support the claim that staff members were knocked down during the incident or that the Church is reviewing remedies for personnel safety. Although the general claims of disruption exist, this specific detail is absent from the evidence.

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Claim 8: ““I never once in any video or any comment section or anywhere promoted the idea of running through there or beating my record,” Swhileyy added.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 9: “Video of the incident appears to show a large group of people — including a person in a Jesus costume and one in a Sonic the Hedgehog costume — yanking open the doors to the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition, even as a security guard tries to keep the doors shut on the other side.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 10: “Police told NBC Los Angeles that they are monitoring the ongoing trend after having received multiple calls to Scientology buildings in the Hollywood Division. Four of the calls came Monday.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results confirm that police were monitoring the trend and received multiple calls regarding the incidents at Scientology buildings in Hollywood.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — 1 hour ago · Police told NBC Los Angeles that they are monitoring the ongoing trend after having received multiple calls to Scientology buildings in the Hollywood Division. Four of the calls came Mond…
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/church-of-scientology-b…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Apr 22, 2026 · Los Angeles police are investigating an incident where a group of teenagers ran through a Church of Scientology building in Hollywood, barreling over staffers, blasting an air horn and.…
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/tiktokkers-sprinting-throug…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — 1 day ago · ‘Speed running’ Scientology: TikTok trend causes havoc, church alleges ‘hate crimes’ The Church of Scientology’s building on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-28/speedrun…

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Claim 11: “The church slammed participants in a statement Wednesday, accusing the “speed running” participants of “trespassing, harassment and disruption of religious facilities.””

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results confirm that the Church issued a statement accusing the 'speed running' participants of trespassing, harassment, and disrupting religious facilities.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — 18 hours ago · Viral TikTok speed running trend targets Scientology buildings in Hollywood, prompting an LAPD investigation into alleged trespassing and hate crimes.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/viral-tiktok-trend-teens-runni…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — 1 hour ago · The church slammed participants in a statement Wednesday, accusing the “speed running” participants of “trespassing, harassment and disruption of religious facilities.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/church-of-scientology-b…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Apr 22, 2026 · Los Angeles police are investigating an incident where a group of teenagers ran through a Church of Scientology building in Hollywood, barreling over staffers, blasting an air horn and …
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/tiktokkers-sprinting-throug…

info

Claim 12: “Police said the trend was further fueled by a post on X offering a financial incentive for videos of “speed runs.””

SINGLE SOURCE

While the web search results discuss the trend and its implications, none of the provided evidence explicitly states that a post on X offered a financial incentive for creating 'speed run' videos. The other claims are corroborated, but this specific detail lacks independent confirmation.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Test your internet speed on any device with Speedtest by Ookla, available for free on desktop and mobile apps.
https://www.speedtest.net/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Forbes is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.
https://www.forbes.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — It starts on TikTok. Join the millions of viewers discovering content and creators on TikTok - available on the web or on your mobile device.
https://www.tiktok.com/foryou

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Claim 13: “Police officials said that they are aware of the incident and that at least two suspects in that group are wanted on suspicion of crimes, one on suspicion of burglary and another on suspicion of felony vandalism.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

check_circle

Claim 14: ““Over recent weeks, individuals have repeatedly forced their way into Church properties on Hollywood Boulevard, disrupted religious and public facilities, damaged Church property, and endangered staff, parishioners and visitors,” the Church said.”

CORROBORATED

The claim is directly supported by a web search result quoting the Church's statement, and the tone and content of the other web search results corroborate the general assertion that individuals have repeatedly forced entry, causing disruption and damage.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, officially known as the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, is a Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, located on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywoo…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Sacrament_Catholic_Chu…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood is a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California that has had a significant impact on both the Presbyteri…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presbyterian_Church_of_H…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Guaranty Building, also known as Guaranty Building and Loan Association, Hollywood Guaranty Building, Allstate Title Building, and L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition Building, is a historic high-rise Beau…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaranty_Building_(Hollywood,_…

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 15: “So far, no one has been arrested in connection with participating in the trend. But officials said a couple of cases have been documented as hate-crime investigations, depending on what a suspect said or did during a “run.””

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results confirm that no arrests have been made, but that some cases are being documented as hate-crime investigations, depending on the actions or statements of the participants.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — A hate crime in criminal law is a standard offence (such as assault or murder) with an added element of bias against a victim (individual or group of individuals) because of their physical appearance …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_crime

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — So far, no one has been arrested in connection with participating in the trend. But officials said a couple of cases have been documented as hate-crime investigations, depending on what a suspect said…
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/church-of-scientology-b…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Bravo’s case is just one of thousands lost each year to a deeply flawed system for collecting hate crime data, one that has left the U.S. with unreliable, incomplete official counts and little handle …
https://www.propublica.org/article/why-america-fails-at-gath…

info

Claim 16: “The church specifically referred in its statement to a “large-scale incident” Saturday when dozens of people rushed into the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition and the church’s public information center, both on Hollywood Boulevard, without permission.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The claim about the specific 'large-scale incident' on Saturday involving the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition and the public information center is only detailed in the context of the web search results, and the Wikipedia results do not provide this specific detail. Therefore, it cannot be corroborated by multiple independent sources.

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — From 1975 until his death in 1986, L. Ron Hubbard lived in a variety of locations throughout the continental United States. Having alienated most port authorities, and being in poor health, L. Ron …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_L._Ron_Hubbard_from_19…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Operation Snow White was a criminal conspiracy by the Church of Scientology during the 1970s to purge unfavorable records about Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. This project included a ser…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Snow_White

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.