Seattle police detained several people Saturday after a group forced its way into the Church of Scientology of Washington State in the Queen Anne neighborhood, damaging metal doors and briefly cutting power inside. Members sheltered in place while officers stayed on scene and escorted everyone out safely.
Officers responded at about 3 p.m. to the building at 300 W. Harrison Street, and investigators later reviewed surveillance footage that they say shows protesters damaging a rear metal door and one person holding a crowbar, according to KING 5. The outlet reports that police also said intruders shut off the building's electricity, forcing members to shelter on upper floors, and that officers detained suspects after a brief foot chase. KING 5 says investigators found probable cause to support second-degree burglary, a hate-crime allegation and felony harassment.
Seattle police linked the break-in to an online "speedrunning" challenge, videos in which creators race through Church of Scientology buildings, a trend that national reporting says began in Los Angeles in April and has spread to cities from San Francisco to New York. The Associated Press reported that the craze pulled in millions of views and prompted the church to remove some external door handles and bolster security at certain properties.
A church spokesman told The Associated Press the runs were "not journalism, protest or civic activity." The spokesman added that church officials say some incidents have put staff and visitors at risk, the AP reported.
Charges and legal context
Seattle police say investigators reviewed video and identified probable cause for second-degree burglary, a hate-crime allegation and felony harassment, and those findings will be forwarded to prosecutors for charging consideration. Under Washington law, burglary in the second degree is defined as unlawfully entering a nonresidential building with intent to commit a crime and is a class B felony, per RCW 9A.52.030. The state's hate-crime statute, RCW 9A.36.080, covers offenses motivated by a victim's perceived religion, and Washington's harassment laws in RCW 9A.46.020 can also elevate penalties for threatening behavior.
Police response and next steps
Police say they detained several people at the scene after a brief foot chase and kept patrols visible while members were escorted from the building, according to KING 5. Investigators continue to review footage and witness statements, and prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges based on the evidence.
The episode highlights how quickly viral stunts can turn into property damage and potential felonies, and national outlets say authorities are treating some of the runs as more than harmless pranks. The Guardian has tracked the trend's rapid spread and the growing push by churches and police to head off copycat attempts.
