A viral social media trend known as “Scientology speedrunning” drew a crowd of 40 to 50 people — many believed to be underage — to the Church of Scientology in downtown San Diego over the weekend, prompting a police response and an ongoing investigation.
Videos posted online show a large group traveling by foot, skateboard and bicycle to the facility on Fourth Avenue before gathering outside its entrance. The crowd was seen banging on the building’s glass doors and yelling, with some participants wearing masks and one person in an inflatable alien costume.
The Associated Press reports the trend has been circulating on TikTok for about a month, with participants attempting to uncover what they believe the Church of Scientology is hiding.
A Scientology member who said he was at the facility that weekend but unaware of the disruption outside questioned the motives of those involved.
“What do you think about people kicking the doors? They’re paid to do it. You think they are paid to do it? I think so.” the member said.
NBC San Diego crews were shooed away from the property while reporting, and security appeared to be heightened following the incident.
In a statement, Scientology spokesperson David Bloomberg said the activity described online as “speed running” was actually organized trespassing that involved coordinated disruption and an attempted forced entry. Bloomberg said the incident resulted in damage to locks and a video camera.
Additional video shows members of the group pulling on doors secured with chains. The building is equipped with security cameras.
San Diego police responded to reports of vandalism and trespassing. Officers arrived as the group dispersed. Some individuals were questioned, but no arrests were made.
In an email, San Diego police spokesperson Officer Abbey Langley said detectives are reviewing evidence.
“Detectives are looking at evidence to find those responsible for the vandalism to church property. Crimes committed against religious institutions will not be tolerated,” Langley said.
No arrests or charges have been made as of Tuesday night.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.