A mob of rowdy teens stormed a Big Apple Scientology church Saturday afternoon, trashing the property and injuring a security guard amid a nationwide rash of similar viral social media stunts, police and sources said.
About 50 unruly youths barreled through a locked side door of the Church of Scientology of New York — which sits just off Times Square on West 46th Street — at around 4:24 p.m., damaging the premises while worshipers and visitors were attending a seminar, according to cops, police sources and the church.
They also kicked a 30-year-old man, believed to be a security guard, who was walloped in the leg and sustained minor injuries.
The rampaging teens — whose act resembled the “speed running” trend that has seen similar invasions at Scientology locations in Los Angeles — also hurled a racial slur at another staffer, the church said.
“I saw about possibly about 50 kids with masks and hoodies. All races, black, whites, Asians, running,” said George Shannon, 58, a guard at the near-by Lunt-Fontanne Theater.
“They were running and laughing. They were breaking up the chairs and tables and throwing books on the ground, vandalizing the church.”
While police did not address a motive for the attack, The Church of Scientology International, based in Los Angeles, said that they believe it is part of the recent viral trend
“Some online have referred to these incidents as ‘speed running.’ In reality, they involve organized trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention,” the church said.
“A group of individuals forced their way into the Church of Scientology New York, broke a locked door to gain entry, and rushed into the building,” the church added.
“The disruption endangered staff, parishioners and visitors, including individuals attending a seminar at the time. This was not a peaceful visit or lawful protested. It was a coordinated act involving forced entry, property damage, and physical aggression inside a house of worship.”
The rabble-rousers later fled the building in all directions, police said.
No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
The Midtown incident mirrors the bizarre new TikTok trend dubbed “Scientology speed running” — which uses a video game term to describe groups of thrill-seeking influencers and troublemakers filming themselves charging into properties owned or tied to the Church of Scientology since early April.
The reckless social media craze, erupting across Los Angeles, has sparked security fears for the church, which teaches followers that humans are immortal spiritual beings called “thetans” with limitless power.
The religion, founded in the 1950s by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, is built on a system of beliefs, teachings, and rituals focused on spiritual betterment, with his book “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” serving as its foundational text.
Hollywood has long fueled the church’s visibility, largely due to high-profile members like actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, who have served as its most recognizable public supporters.
Other well-known members of the church have included actresses Elisabeth Moss, Catherine Bell, Jenna Elfman, and Nancy Cartwright, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson on “The Simpsons.”
The church said it is cooperating with the NYPD as its investigation in Saturday’s incident continues.
“Church facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors and members of the public,” the statement said.
“Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious spaces. The Church welcomes lawful visitors. It does not welcome individuals forcing entry, damaging property … or targeting religious facilities for online attention.”
Shannon said he was disgusted by the scene of lawlessness.
“Honestly, I feel this is the responsibility of the city council and the Mayor,” he said. “The lack of rules and regulations. So people in New York City feel and do whatever they want to do. That’s why these kids wasn’t even scared.”
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