The Church of Scientology condemns “truth-seeking” speedrunners, accusing participants of trespassing and criminal misconduct, as a viral social media trend targets its facilities.
“Scientology Runs” have quickly become a viral trend on social media, particularly on TikTok. The trend involves individuals dubbed “speedrunners” or “truth-seekers” sprinting into Scientology facilities to see how far — and how much — they can explore before being escorted out by security.
Facilities across the country, especially in California, have increased security including barricading windows and restricting entry points following an increase in speedruns.
Several social media videos capture participants forcing entry into buildings, running up staircases, and evading security stationed at entrances. TikTok users are currently creating informal, crowd-sourced maps to document the layout of the facilities.
“Lowkey I would do the same thing if I was in Los Angeles,” junior Jace Alegria said.
Scientology is a closely guarded organization that limits public access to its facilities, often restricting visibility. The organization has been involved in numerous controversies, legal disputes, and high-profile court cases involving former members and organizational practices.
Scientology is a set of beliefs and practices created by L. Ron Hubbard. In 1950, Hubbard introduced his ideas as a form of talk therapy called Dianetics. In 1953, he founded the Church of Scientology, which according to academic and independent estimates, has tens of thousands of active members worldwide, with the largest concentration in the United States.
On social media, the organization has been labeled a religion, cult, business and scam. Legally, Scientology is recognized as a religion in the United States and is protected under the First Amendment.
As the trend remains viral on social media, legal experts state entering private property without permission can constitute trespassing. The Church of Scientology stated it will continue to increase security and pursue legal action.
