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Police Probe After 200 Teens Swarm Brisbane in ‘Scientology Speed Run

Police are shifting to targeted prosecutions built from the teens’ own social media posts.

Overview

  • Queensland Police, after Saturday's attempt in Brisbane that drew about 200 teens, say they have identified many participants and have issued a court notice to a 15-year-old.
  • Footage from George Street shows teens climbing into and on top of police cars when they found the church’s doors locked.
  • The trend, named for a video-game race to finish fast, has spread from Los Angeles to New York, Vancouver, San Francisco, San Diego and the UK, with several arrests and minor injuries reported by authorities.
  • LAPD’s Major Crimes Division is reviewing the April 25 Hollywood rush after the Church of Scientology reported an injured member and labeled the event a hate crime.
  • TikTok says it is removing posts that promote crimes, and churches have tightened security by locking doors or even removing some external handles to deter copycats.