LOS ANGELES (AP) — While strolling down Hollywood Boulevard last Saturday, Ericka Buensuceso encountered an unusual sight: costumed individuals dressed as an alien, two hot dogs, and Jesus.
This diverse group in costumes had joined forces with several other people, all sharing the same objective of entering the Church of Scientology information center nearby and racing through as much of the facility as they could manage.
What Buensuceso observed was a live example of “Scientology speedrunning,” a popular social media phenomenon that has gained traction on TikTok over the past month — while simultaneously creating security issues for the religious organization. She and her companion had actually discussed this trend earlier that same day.
“I felt an adrenaline rush because I was like, ‘No way this is happening right now for me,’” she said. “I’m about to witness something that I thought that I would only see on social media.”
This phenomenon began gaining momentum in early April, with social media users sharing footage of themselves — often wearing unexplained costumes — entering various properties connected to the Church of Scientology. These participants record themselves “speedrunning” through the facilities, attempting to accomplish a mission as rapidly as possible using popular gaming terminology. Their objective? Document the church’s buildings and gather as much intelligence as they can about how the organization operates internally.
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed responding to several such incidents over the past month, including the event Buensuceso observed, which authorities investigated as a possible hate crime. This week, the church took action by removing all exterior door handles from its Hollywood Boulevard locations.
Although online audiences may find this entertaining, the church views these incidents as anything but harmless entertainment. Church representative David Bloomberg informed The Associated Press that one staff member sustained injuries during an incident and needed medical care.
“These are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors and members of the public,” Bloomberg said in a statement. “Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment and disruption of religious facilities.”
The group Buensuceso observed appeared to consist mainly of young males, and she estimated most were likely high school students or possibly even middle schoolers, based not only on their youthful looks but also because she viewed their actions as immature behavior.
Buensuceso shared a TikTok video capturing her viewpoint of the chaotic “raid,” as some participants label these events online. Her footage depicts more than a dozen young people pushing their way into the church’s Hollywood Boulevard building, which has emerged as a popular destination for those wanting to join this social media phenomenon.
The reasoning behind this trend remains somewhat mysterious, but similar to much of Gen-Z and Generation Alpha culture, the significance might stem from its apparent lack of meaning. Absurd “brain rot” content has taken over social media platforms recently, typically driven by younger users and often leaving older generations confused or searching for deeper significance in these trends. When someone commented on a recent TikTok speedrun video asking why people participate, another user simply responded, “because it’s fun.”
“If you’re on TikTok at all, you can see all the different videos,” said Charley Tenorio, a 20-year-old actor who lives in Hollywood. “All the jokes in the comments that if they get to the top, you’ll find Tom Cruise.”
Scientology attracts numerous celebrity followers, with Cruise being among its most well-known members. The faith encompasses a framework of beliefs, teachings and practices centered on spiritual improvement. Science fiction and fantasy writer L. Ron Hubbard’s 1950 publication “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” serves as a cornerstone text.
Tenorio was dining at Taco Bell across from the building on Saturday when he witnessed the same incident as Buensuceso.
“I saw them go inside. They passed the security guard, they passed multiple of the workers,” he recalled. “That was all I saw until a couple seconds later when they were all kicked out quite angrily by this small horde of Scientology workers.”
Ahsem Kabir, a musician living in the area, visited the building on Wednesday to examine the removed door handles. He has been following this trend, which he believes enhances the church’s mysterious reputation.
“I do get entertainment out of the speedruns. I think it’s pretty funny,” he said. “I know that technically it’s not allowed, but I think it just kind of adds to the lore of this place.”
