Hundreds of teenagers across the United Kingdom have attempted to "speed run" Scientology buildings as part of a viral TikTok trend that originated in Los Angeles. The phenomenon, which involves rushing into premises and seeing how far one can progress before being escorted out by staff, has spread to multiple locations in the UK, including London and Edinburgh.
London Gathering Draws Large Crowd
A single Snapchat post last week about a London event quickly gained traction. "First UK raid of Scientology. Happening this Saturday 2nd May. Bring face coverings and GoPros. Spread the word," it read. Shared extensively on TikTok, the post led to approximately 100 people congregating near the Church of Scientology's main centre close to Blackfriars in central London.
Rizak Abdullahi, 19, who observed the events, remarked: "Some of them were dressed as dinosaurs, some had cat masks, it was quite funny." He noted that by the time the group assembled, two City of London police vans were already present to deter them. "You know the UK police, they know everything," Abdullahi added.
City of London Police confirmed that officers engaged with the crowd, which dispersed after a brief period. No arrests were made.
Participants Motivated by Trend
Levi Telford, 16, travelled from Carlisle—a four-hour journey—to join the London event. He explained that beyond the "mysterious" nature of Scientology, the trend itself was a compelling reason to participate. "I think people want to do it here just to be part of the trend, to be part of something," he said.
The speed run trend began in late March with a TikTok user named Swhileyy, who posted a video of himself sprinting through the lobby of the Church of Scientology's Los Angeles headquarters. The video garnered 90 million views before being deleted. Similar stunts soon occurred at Scientology buildings in Vancouver and New York.
For some participants, the objective was to map the interiors of the buildings, learning more with each attempt. Others took a more surreal approach: one individual entered dressed as Jesus, while a group wearing Minions costumes claimed they were searching for Tom Cruise.
Edinburgh Attempt and Police Intervention
Over the weekend, copycat attempts emerged in the UK. In Edinburgh, a group of around 30 teenagers tried to speed run a Scientology building but were intercepted by police. Soaked by rain, the group sought shelter in a Greggs before heading home.
Concerns from Critics
Alexander Barnes Ross, a UK activist who has led protests against Scientology, expressed concern about the speed runs. Having spent the past year advocating for the right to protest outside Scientology buildings, he warned that this trend "risks giving the church an opportunity to reopen the case." While he welcomed efforts to expose what he calls the church's "harmful practices," he stated: "There is nothing funny about Scientology. This is a dangerous, harmful organisation." He added that attempts to forcibly enter premises undermine his peaceful protest efforts.
However, participants maintain that speed runs are conducted in a spirit of fun and curiosity. A TikToker known as Hiddenurbex, who attended the London event with friends, said: "It's so secret that people just love to find out what's happening and explore."
Church of Scientology Response
The Church of Scientology condemned the actions, stating that individuals had repeatedly forced entry into church locations, damaging property and endangering staff. It said it was reviewing "all available remedies" to protect personnel, visitors, and property. The church emphasised: "The church welcomes lawful visitors. It does not welcome mobs forcing entry, damaging property, disrupting religious spaces or endangering people for views."
