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Three individuals were arrested on hate crime charges on Monday (May 25) for allegedly ransacking the Church of Scientology in New York City. The arrests came after the NYPD released footage of the suspects, who appeared to be participating in a social media stunt.
The suspects, identified as Jaelen Dinkens, 19, and Mohammed Amolegbe, 21, were charged with burglary, criminal mischief, and assault—all as hate crimes. Another individual, Tashaun Simms, 28, was charged with obstructing governmental administration and tampering with physical evidence. The incident occurred on May 2 when a group of 31 people forced their way through a locked side door of the West 46th Street church during a seminar.
According to law enforcement sources, the mob caused $10,000 in damages and injured a 30-year-old male employee. The Church of Scientology believes the attack is linked to a viral social media trend known as "Scientology speed running," where individuals film themselves trespassing into church properties for online attention.
The church described the incident as a coordinated act involving forced entry, property damage, and physical aggression. The NYPD's footage showed suspects smirking, taking photos, and spraying silly string at a security camera.
The Church of Scientology, based in Los Angeles, stated that these acts are not peaceful protests but organized trespasses for social media clout.
The church has called for increased security measures to prevent future occurrences.