One of the juveniles taken into custody was also listed as an unverified missing person.
minute read
Seattle police arrested three juveniles Saturday afternoon after a protest at the Church of Scientology escalated into a forced entry, alleged threats with a crowbar, and a building-wide power shutdown that sent church members sheltering in reaction to the "Scientology speedrun" TikTok craze.
According to police reports obtained by The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, officers responded around 3:02 pm on May 9, 2026, to the Church of Scientology in Seattle’s West Precinct area after receiving reports of a large demonstration connected to a nationwide online trend targeting Scientology facilities.
Police say approximately 30 demonstrators gathered outside the church as part of a scheduled nationwide protest event that had gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Initially, dispatchers advised responding officers that no weapons had been seen. However, while officers were en route, they learned that several protesters had allegedly forced entry into the building through rear metal doors, and one suspect was reportedly armed with a crowbar.
According to investigators, church staff attempted to secure the building after previous incidents involving demonstrators trying to enter the property. Police say a smaller group within the crowd made a deliberate attempt to breach the church.
One church security official told police that a 17-year-old suspect used a blue crowbar to try to pry open a north-side entrance. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly raised the crowbar over his head while making eye contact with a church staff member, causing the employee to fear an imminent assault. Another church manager reportedly became so frightened by the incident that she almost cried, according to the report.
Police say the suspects later moved to a west-side entrance, where surveillance footage allegedly captured them breaking a lock and entering the building. Six people reportedly entered the structure, though officers detained three juveniles following a brief foot pursuit nearby. Once inside, investigators say the group located the building’s main circuit breaker and shut off power to the entire structure. The outage reportedly disabled elevators, surveillance systems, and potentially portions of the fire suppression system. Church staff and parishioners relocated to upper floors and sheltered in place until officers secured the scene.
Seattle police identified the three arrested suspects as juveniles aged 16 and 17. One of the juveniles taken into custody was also listed as an unverified missing person. Police said an officer on scene confirmed the missing person status.
Investigators say probable cause existed to arrest all three for Second-Degree Burglary, Hate Crime Offenses, and Felony Harassment. The felony harassment allegation specifically relates to the suspect accused of brandishing the crowbar. Police stated that the hate crime enhancement was considered because the incident targeted a federally recognized religious institution and because church members believed they were targeted because of their religion.
Authorities also noted the Seattle Scientology church had been the target of two prior similar incidents in recent months. The incident appears connected to a viral social media phenomenon often referred to online as a “Scientology run” or “Scientology speed run.” The trend, popularized largely through TikTok and livestream platforms, involves individuals entering Scientology buildings and attempting to travel as deep into the facilities as possible before being stopped by staff or security.
According to The New York Post, participants frequently record the encounters for social media views, treating the events similarly to a video game challenge or “speed run.” The term “speed running” originally comes from video game culture. In gaming, a speed run is when players try to complete a game or objective as quickly as possible, often competing for record times. Over time, the term expanded to describe any activity done competitively for speed or distance under unusual rules.
In the Scientology trend, participants attempt to rush through church entrances, navigate hallways and restricted areas, see how far inside they can get before being stopped, then upload the footage online. Most incidents nationally have reportedly ended as trespassing or prank-related encounters. However, Seattle police allege Friday’s incident escalated significantly beyond previous examples because of forced entry, property damage, threats involving a crowbar, and disruption of building systems.
Police remained at the facility after the arrests to maintain a visible presence while members safely exited the building. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and body-worn camera recordings as part of the case. Community members who captured video at the scene were also asked to submit footage through Axon Capture links distributed by officers.
According to police reports obtained by The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, officers responded around 3:02 pm on May 9, 2026, to the Church of Scientology in Seattle’s West Precinct area after receiving reports of a large demonstration connected to a nationwide online trend targeting Scientology facilities.
Police say approximately 30 demonstrators gathered outside the church as part of a scheduled nationwide protest event that had gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Initially, dispatchers advised responding officers that no weapons had been seen. However, while officers were en route, they learned that several protesters had allegedly forced entry into the building through rear metal doors, and one suspect was reportedly armed with a crowbar.
According to investigators, church staff attempted to secure the building after previous incidents involving demonstrators trying to enter the property. Police say a smaller group within the crowd made a deliberate attempt to breach the church.
One church security official told police that a 17-year-old suspect used a blue crowbar to try to pry open a north-side entrance. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly raised the crowbar over his head while making eye contact with a church staff member, causing the employee to fear an imminent assault. Another church manager reportedly became so frightened by the incident that she almost cried, according to the report.
Police say the suspects later moved to a west-side entrance, where surveillance footage allegedly captured them breaking a lock and entering the building. Six people reportedly entered the structure, though officers detained three juveniles following a brief foot pursuit nearby. Once inside, investigators say the group located the building’s main circuit breaker and shut off power to the entire structure. The outage reportedly disabled elevators, surveillance systems, and potentially portions of the fire suppression system. Church staff and parishioners relocated to upper floors and sheltered in place until officers secured the scene.
Seattle police identified the three arrested suspects as juveniles aged 16 and 17. One of the juveniles taken into custody was also listed as an unverified missing person. Police said an officer on scene confirmed the missing person status.
Investigators say probable cause existed to arrest all three for Second-Degree Burglary, Hate Crime Offenses, and Felony Harassment. The felony harassment allegation specifically relates to the suspect accused of brandishing the crowbar. Police stated that the hate crime enhancement was considered because the incident targeted a federally recognized religious institution and because church members believed they were targeted because of their religion.
Authorities also noted the Seattle Scientology church had been the target of two prior similar incidents in recent months. The incident appears connected to a viral social media phenomenon often referred to online as a “Scientology run” or “Scientology speed run.” The trend, popularized largely through TikTok and livestream platforms, involves individuals entering Scientology buildings and attempting to travel as deep into the facilities as possible before being stopped by staff or security.
According to The New York Post, participants frequently record the encounters for social media views, treating the events similarly to a video game challenge or “speed run.” The term “speed running” originally comes from video game culture. In gaming, a speed run is when players try to complete a game or objective as quickly as possible, often competing for record times. Over time, the term expanded to describe any activity done competitively for speed or distance under unusual rules.
In the Scientology trend, participants attempt to rush through church entrances, navigate hallways and restricted areas, see how far inside they can get before being stopped, then upload the footage online. Most incidents nationally have reportedly ended as trespassing or prank-related encounters. However, Seattle police allege Friday’s incident escalated significantly beyond previous examples because of forced entry, property damage, threats involving a crowbar, and disruption of building systems.
Police remained at the facility after the arrests to maintain a visible presence while members safely exited the building. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and body-worn camera recordings as part of the case. Community members who captured video at the scene were also asked to submit footage through Axon Capture links distributed by officers.
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