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TikTokScientology Speedrun’ Prompts Arrests in U.S. and Australia

Authorities now treat the viral challenge as intimidation with real-world consequences.

Overview

  • Seattle police arrested three juveniles after a breach at a Scientology church that involved a crowbar threat, forced entry and a building-wide power shutdown, with investigators alleging burglary, felony harassment and hate-crime enhancements.
  • In Brisbane, a crowd of more than 200 swarmed a Scientology site, with video showing a BMX ridden over a police car and two people entering an unattended patrol vehicle, and police later charged a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old and opened a social-media probe.
  • Sydney police dispersed about 100 people outside a Scientology building and arrested a 19-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl for failing to follow directions.
  • Police in Australia said they are monitoring platforms to identify organizers and warned that showing up to film or be seen still carries consequences.
  • The trend grew from a March TikTok that drew tens of millions of views before removal and has since spread to multiple countries, repurposing a video-game “speedrun” idea into real-world attempts to penetrate church buildings.