Scientology ‘speed running’ trend has Hollywood abuzz and church unhappy

On any given day, Los Angeles’s Hollywood Boulevard teems with tourists and street performers clustered near the area’s many landmarks. But in recent months, the strip has been set abuzz for a new reason. Throngs of mostly adolescent boys and young men have been rushing the Church of Scientology’s international headquarters on the famed street. The so-called “speed runs” appear to be bids for social media valor – clips of the raids have amassed millions of views on TikTok – as much as they are an outgrowth of public intrigue surrounding the church, which has previously drawn accusations of being a cult. Some users have developed blueprints for the building based on information gathered from videos of the raids. The church issued a Wednesday statement to the Guardian about a “large-scale incident” on Saturday, during which “dozens of individuals” forced their way into its facilities, knocking down staff members in the process. “These 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 facilities,” the church wrote. Church officials said they are “reviewing all available remedies” and have made reports to law enforcement. At least one staff member has sustained injuries that required medical attention from the incidents, spokesperson David Bloomberg said. …