In a peculiar online trend reminiscent of viral memes, the Scientology speedrun phenomenon has taken social media by storm, with a recent incident involving nearly 300 youths in Vancouver. The group gathered outside a local Scientology building, shouting about actor Tom Cruise and the alien figure Xenu, as captured in videos shared on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Some participants donned masks and toy guns while attempting to enter the locked church premises, resulting in the intervention of Vancouver police who later arrested a 16-year-old individual. The teen was subsequently released without charges. Responding to the incident, a Scientology spokesperson labeled the gathering as a coordinated disruption rather than a peaceful visit or lawful protest.
The motivation behind these occurrences, spanning cities like Vancouver, Los Angeles, and New York, remains a puzzle to many. Participants engage in activities like exploring Scientology offices, recording encounters, and mimicking real-life video game scenarios. However, sources familiar with the matter are hesitant to speak openly due to concerns over potential legal actions by the church.
Former Scientologist Bee Mood, who previously served in the organization’s Sea Org, expressed mixed sentiments about the trend. While some ex-members support the protests targeting the church, Mood believes that the majority of these stunts are unlikely to sway opinions. The trend appears to have originated from social media accounts such as StreetsLA, which regularly documents interactions with Scientology staff.
The trend gained momentum in March when a teen influencer, @swhileyy, posted a video of himself running through a Church of Scientology lobby in L.A. The clip garnered millions of views before being removed for violating community guidelines. Subsequent videos by influencers attempted to uncover the organization’s secrets or simply sought online attention and amusement, drawing parallels to past viral phenomena like the “storm Area 51” meme.
Mood emphasized the importance of responsible engagement with Scientology, cautioning against causing harm or confrontations with staff. While the trend has led to quirky and entertaining moments, some instances have raised concerns, such as a video showing individuals in New York toppling boxes of books. Meanwhile, the church has responded by closing recruitment centers and reinforcing security measures in response to the increased scrutiny and disruptions.
Jenna Miscavige, a prominent figure and niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, urged young individuals to prioritize their safety while exploring Scientology out of curiosity. She highlighted the church’s controversial “fair game” policy regarding critics and advised speedrunners to remain vigilant for potential surveillance. As the trend continues to evolve, both participants and observers navigate the fine line between satire and respectful engagement with the Scientology community.
