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Brisbane teenager accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp in viral stunt at Scientology church

Zeppelin Witheridge charged with public nuisance over ‘Scientology speedrun’ social media trend Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A social media stunt that treats churches like video games has gone from TikTok to the dock, landing an alleged teenage “speedrunner” in court. Zeppelin Witheridge, 18, has been accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp after a viral challenge went awry at the Church of Scientology in Brisbane’s CBD. Chaotic scenes erupted after hundreds of people gathered at the church for a “Scientology speedrun” on 9 May. The social media trend involves people racing into Scientology buildings to see how far they can get before security catches up, then uploading the footage for everyone to rate. In gaming, a “speedrun” is about clearing a level as fast as possible. A “Scientology speedrun” treats real-world buildings like maps, security guards as non-playable characters and doorways as checkpoints, with likes and shares as the prize. But it was “game over” soon after about 200 self-styled speedrunners descended on the Brisbane church. After discovering the front door was locked, their attention allegedly shifted to the next potential chall

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May 29, 2026·The GuardianT2 · Outlet report
Brisbane teenager accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp in viral stunt at Scientology church

Zeppelin Witheridge charged with public nuisance over ‘Scientology speedrun’ social media trend Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A social media stunt that treats churches like video games has gone from TikTok to…

Read original at The Guardian →
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May 29, 2026·The GuardianT2 · Outlet reportLATEST
Brisbane teenager accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp in viral stunt at Scientology church

Zeppelin Witheridge charged with public nuisance over ‘Scientology speedrun’ social media trend Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A social media stunt that treats churches like video games has…

Read original at The Guardian →

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T2 · Outlet reportThe GuardianMay 29, 2026

Zeppelin Witheridge charged with public nuisance over ‘Scientology speedrun’ social media trend Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A social media stunt that treats churches like video games has gone from TikTok to…

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