Full Breakdown
Vancouver Youths Attempt ‘Scientology Speedrun,’ Prompting Police and Legal Response
5/5/2026, 12:41:00 AM
Attempted Breach of Vancouver Church of Scientology
On Saturday afternoon, about 250-300 teenagers gathered at the Church of Scientology on West Hastings Street, Vancouver, and tried to force entry through the back gate. Police intervened, dispersing the crowd; a 16-year-old was briefly detained and released. No injuries were reported.
Viral “Speedrunning” Challenge
The stunt echoed a TikTok-driven “Scientology speedrunning” trend that began in early April, where participants film rapid runs through Scientology-owned sites or map the organization’s facilities.
Timeline
Official Statements & Responses
Vancouver police called the incident “a very serious situation,” citing breaking and entering, property damage, and assault as offenses. The Church of Scientology described the act as a coordinated breach that disrupts a religious facility and emphasized that only lawful visitors are welcome.
Criticism & Opposition
Criminal lawyer Kyla Lee warned that participants could receive trespass notices under B.C.’s Trespass Act, face civil suits, and potentially incur criminal charges for interfering with the lawful use of a place of worship. She urged youths to consider whether they would want similar actions performed on their own property.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police have not indicated whether trespass notices have been issued, and the decision not to lay criminal charges leaves open the possibility of future legal action against participants.
What’s Next
Following similar incidents in Los Angeles, the Church removed external door handles from its Hollywood Boulevard properties. Vancouver authorities say they are reviewing security protocols at the Hastings Street site.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It may seem fun for young people to get swept up in these viral trends, but this is a criminal matter,” — Sgt. Adam Donaldson, Vancouver Police Department
- “It was a co-ordinated act involving attempts to breach a religious facility and disrupt its operations,” — David Bloomberg, Church of Scientology spokesperson
- “Church facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors and members of the public. Turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest or civic activity. It is trespass, harassment and disruption of religious spaces.” — David Bloomberg
- “Not only could they face civil consequences, in terms of being issued a trespass notice under B.C.'s Trespass Act and being sued under B.C.'s Trespass Act, but they could also face criminal charges for engaging in behaviour that interferes with the lawful use and enjoyment of property used for religious purposes,” — Kyla Lee, criminal lawyer
- “That building is a place that is recognized as a place of religious worship for the Scientology community. And even if you don't agree with Scientology practices, they still must be respected in their right to practise their religion, just like anybody else,” — Kyla Lee
- “No injuries to officers or the public were reported.” — Sgt. Adam Donaldson
