Vancouver police say a viral “Scientology speedrunning” trend drew hundreds to a downtown building, leading to one teen’s temporary arrest.
Hundreds of mostly young people gathered outside the Church of Scientology’s downtown Vancouver premises Saturday afternoon and tried to get inside as part of a viral social media trend, police said.
The Vancouver Police Department said officers were called at about 3 p.m. to West Hastings Street at Homer Street, where between 250 and 300 people were congregating and attempting to “gain entry” to the building. Police said a group tried to kick in a back gate and alleged that others threw things at officers. No injuries to officers or members of the public were reported.
Police said the crowd was dispersed but returned around 5 p.m. A 16-year-old boy was temporarily arrested and later released to his parents. Police said no criminal charges are being recommended.
Sgt. Adam Donaldson warned Sunday that taking part in the trend could carry lasting legal consequences. “It may seem fun for young people to get swept up in these viral trends, but this is a criminal matter,” he said.
The trend, known online as “Scientology speedrunning,” took off in early April, according to CBC News. Users have posted videos of themselves entering, or trying to enter, properties owned or occupied in some way by the Church of Scientology. The term “speedrunning” comes from video game culture, where players try to complete a task as quickly as possible.
In this case, participants record themselves moving through Scientology buildings while trying to map them out or gather information about the organization’s operations. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to The Associated Press that it responded to multiple incidents last month connected to the trend, CBC reported.
Church of Scientology spokesperson David Bloomberg told CBC News the Vancouver event was not a peaceful visit or lawful protest, describing it as a coordinated attempt to breach a religious facility and disrupt its operations. He said church facilities welcome lawful visitors but not people trying to force entry, damage property or target religious institutions for online attention.
Vancouver criminal lawyer Kyla Lee told CBC that people who join such events may face consequences beyond a brief encounter with police, including trespass notices, civil action or criminal charges tied to interfering with the lawful use of religious property.
Police have not recommended charges in the Vancouver incident, but their warning was clear: a viral stunt can quickly become a legal matter when it involves forced entry, property damage or confrontation with officers.
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