On Saturday, Erica Buensuseso found herself on Hollywood Boulevard, encountering an alien, two hot dogs, and Jesus, all part of a lively group of costumed individuals. They were on a mission to infiltrate the nearby Church of Scientology Information Center and explore various locations.
What she was witnessing was a phenomenon referred to as “Scientology speedrunning,” a trend that’s taken off on TikTok over the last month, stirring up some safety concerns for the church.
Earlier that day, she and a friend had actually talked about it. Buensuseso described the moment as electrifying, saying, “I can’t believe this is happening to me right now.” She felt as if she was part of something that only existed in the digital realm.
This trend appeared in early April, with social media users sharing videos of themselves—sometimes donning quirky outfits—entering various Scientology properties. The participants aim to “speedrun” through buildings, racing to complete tasks, tapping into video game terminology. The goal? To map the layout and gather insights about the church’s inner workings.
The Los Angeles Police Department has reported multiple incidents related to this trend, including one witnessed by Buensuseso, which is under investigation for potential hate crime implications. In response, the church recently removed all door handles from its Hollywood Boulevard location.
This isn’t just some lighthearted fun for the church, though. Scientology spokesman David Bloomberg mentioned that a staff member was injured during one of these incidents and needed medical assistance. He stated, “These are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors, and the public,” emphasizing that these viral events are acts of trespassing, harassment, and vandalism rather than legitimate journalism or protest.
The group Buensuseso observed appeared to be primarily young boys, and she guessed that many were likely still in high school or even middle school. She viewed the actions as somewhat immature.
Buensuseso later posted a TikTok video capturing her thoughts on the chaotic incidents, which some online are calling “attacks.” Her footage shows a dozen young people forcing their way into a church, highlighting a location known for these antics.
The intent behind this trend remains somewhat ambiguous, but it seems that, like much of Gen Z and Alpha culture, the motivation might stem from a sense of absurdity. Recent social media trends often leave older generations baffled, seeking meaning where there might be none. One TikTok user, in response to the “why,” stated simply, “Because it’s fun.”
Charlie Tenorio, a 20-year-old actor from Hollywood, noted that the playful comments often hint that if people climb to the top of the church, they might find Tom Cruise, a famous supporter of Scientology.
This incident aligns with the church’s notable celebrity associations, particularly Cruise, who has become one of its most recognizable figures. L. Ron Hubbard’s “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health,” published in 1950, serves as a key text for their beliefs.
Tenorio was enjoying a meal at Taco Bell across from the church when he saw the same events unfold, recalling how the group managed to bypass security and staff before being ejected by a swarm of angry Scientology personnel.
Asem Kabir, a local musician, visited the church the other day to inspect the now-removed door handles. Keeping up with the trend, he sees it as enhancing the church’s mystique, saying, “There’s entertainment in speedruns. It adds to the legend of this place.”
