Zeppelin Witheridge, 18, faces charges after a 'Scientology speedrun' social media challenge in Brisbane went awry, involving using a police car as a BMX ramp.
Over the weekend, Brisbane's Church of Scientology became the latest target of a viral trend that began in the United States just a few months ago — the Scientology speed run.
Police see off gatherings of teenagers in London and Edinburgh after videos of similar stunts in US go viralHundreds of teenagers have attempted to “speed run” Scientology buildings in different parts of the UK as part of a TikTok trend that started in Los Angeles.Scientology speed running is where people rush into churches and see how far they can get before being ushered out by staff. The Church of Scientology said using its church spaces for viral stunts was “trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities”. Continue reading...
Around 50 teenagers forced their way into the Church of Scientology of New York on West 46th Street on Saturday afternoon, breaking a locked door to gain entry. A 30-year-old security guard was kicked and suffered minor leg injuries, and teens hurled a racial slur at a staff member. Police said the group fled with no arrests made. The incident appears linked to a growing social media trend called 'Scientology speed running,' where groups film themselves entering Scientology properties for online attention. Similar incidents have occurred in Los Angeles, with some cases being investigated as possible hate crimes.
