Viral 'speed running' challenge hits Church of Scientology New York

Culture & TrendsViral 'speed running' challenge hits Church of Scientology New YorkThe Church of Scientology reported property damage and a staff injury following the incident on Saturday. The NYPD said no arrests have been made.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00The Church of Scientology of New York in 2017. On Saturday, a group of individuals gained entry to the midtown Manhattan church after breaking through a locked door.Sachelle Babbar / ZUMA Press Wire via ReutersShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 3, 2026, 4:54 PM EDTBy Joe KottkeAfter weeks of viral “speed running” videos filmed at the Church of Scientology’s Hollywood building have garnered millions of views, a similar stunt appears to have been attempted in New York.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.On Saturday, a group of individuals gained entry to the midtown Manhattan church after breaking through a locked door.“During the incident, property was damaged, objects were thrown, and a staff member was physically struck and injured, requiring medical attention,” a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology said in a statement.Social media videos verified by NBC News show a group of individuals attempting to enter the building through a locked door before eventually gaining access. The video then shows the group filing through inside hallways, and grabbing items, including a folding chair.Police responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday.Upon arrival, officers were informed that “a group of unidentified individuals forcibly entered the location through the side door and caused property damage,” A NYPD spokesperson said in a statement.According to police, the 30-year-old male sustained minor injuries after being “kicked in the leg.” He was not hospitalized, the spokesperson said.The church said there were roughly 30 people in the group and the disruption endangered staff, par...