Overview
- The break-in at the Church of Scientology of New York, reported Saturday afternoon near Times Square, left a security employee with a minor leg injury.
- Police and church officials say about 50 teenagers forced entry through a locked side door and damaged property inside the building.
- Police have not made arrests because the group fled before officers arrived, and investigators are reviewing evidence and social posts.
- Officials link the episode to a trend called “Scientology speed running,” where participants film themselves rushing through church sites for online attention on TikTok and Instagram.
- Los Angeles police are tracking similar incursions, including a Hollywood case with suspects wanted for burglary and felony vandalism, and one facility has removed door handles to tighten access.