A new social media trend known as the “Scientology run” is gaining traction online, with teens, mostly on TikTok, running into a Church of Scientology building in California and attempting to reach as far inside as possible. The challenge has quickly spread across platforms, drawing attention for its bold nature and raising concerns about trespassing and safety, even if participants appear to treat it as a game rather than something more serious.
The latest video tied to the trend has been widely shared, picking up significant engagement across multiple sites. On Reddit, the clip has earned more than 44,000 upvotes along with over 3,000 comments. On X, formerly Twitter, it has reached over 30,000 views and around 600 likes. Several reuploads on other platforms have also gathered strong numbers, showing how quickly the trend is circulating and how much interest it is generating among viewers.
The footage shows groups of teens entering the California Church of Scientology building and moving quickly through its interior while staff attempt to stop them. The teens do not try to hide what they are doing, and some even use loud air horns as they run. A number of them wear hoodies, and a few have their faces fully covered.
Staff members can be seen reacting in real time, trying to block access and direct them out, but the group still manages to push deeper into the building before eventually leaving after being shouted at. The situation appears chaotic but does not escalate into physical violence.
While the trend involves entering private property without permission, the individuals in the video do not appear to be committing crimes beyond trespassing. They leave shortly after being confronted, and there are no signs of damage or injuries in the clip. Even so, the repeated nature of the challenge has reportedly become a problem for staff at the California Church of Scientology, as more people attempt to replicate it for views.
Internet Reacts to California Scientology Run
Online reactions have been mixed but not overwhelmingly negative. Some users expressed amusement or even admiration at how bold the teens were. “I hate to say it, this is a straight up certified cool crime. The kids are gonna be alright,” one user wrote. Others focused more on the reactions of the staff, with some comments making fun of how they tried to stop the group. A few users specifically joked about a female staff member who blocked a doorway with her body, with one comment comparing her to “Gandalf.”
Another factor behind the relatively light backlash appears to be existing negative views toward the Church of Scientology in California held by some internet users. For those viewers, the setting itself influenced how they reacted to the situation, with some treating the incident more like entertainment than a serious issue. Still, the trend continues to raise questions about safety and legality as more participants attempt to outdo each other for online attention.
