The Dark Side of Viral Trends: ‘Speed Running’ Hits Houses of Worship
In an era where social media challenges can spread across the globe in seconds, a disturbing new trend known as “speed running” has moved from the digital world into real-life spaces. While audiences following Vancouver news and other global hubs are used to seeing quirky viral moments, the latest wave of stunts has crossed a dangerous line into criminal activity and physical aggression.
Recently, the Church of Scientology has become the primary target of these coordinated incursions, with incidents reported in two of the largest cities in the United States: New York and Los Angeles.
Chaos in Manhattan: More Than Just a Prank
On a recent Saturday, a group of youths forced their way into the Church of Scientology on West 36th Street in Manhattan. What was framed by some as a “stunt” quickly turned violent. According to a statement provided to The Guardian, the group broke through a locked door, damaging property and throwing objects inside the facility.
The incident resulted in several distressing outcomes:
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- Physical Injuries: A staff member required medical attention after being injured during the breach.
- Hate Speech: Another staff member was targeted with a racial slur during the encounter.
- Disruption: The attack occurred while worshippers and visitors were attending a seminar, turning a place of worship into a scene of chaos.
The ‘Speed Running’ Phenomenon on TikTok
The term “speed running,” typically used in gaming to complete a level as quickly as possible, has been co-opted by adolescent boys and young men to describe rushing into private or restricted facilities. These clips, often filmed for TikTok, amass millions of views, incentivizing others to replicate the behavior for social media clout.
Similar events occurred in Los Angeles on April 25, where dozens of individuals stormed the church’s international headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard. The Los Angeles Police Department has since received multiple reports of trespassing linked to these viral attempts.
The Origin and the Aftermath
The trend is believed to have been sparked by an 18-year-old content creator known as Swhileyy. Although he posted a video of himself breaching the property in March, he has since attempted to distance himself from the movement, stating that he never promoted the idea of others beating his “record” or breaking the law.
A Warning from Former Members
Interestingly, the trend is not supported by all critics of the church. Leah Remini, a prominent former member and vocal critic who has sued the organization for harassment, called the “speed running” stunts “unhelpful.”
Remini argues that such actions only serve to reinforce the church’s internal narrative that the outside world is filled with “dangerous lunatics,” potentially driving current members deeper into the organization’s influence. Her plea is simple: focus on exposing the dangers of the organization rather than creating a spectacle.
As law enforcement continues to investigate these incidents, this situation serves as a stark reminder of how the pursuit of viral fame can lead to real-world harm, trespassing, and violence.
