Brisbane teenager accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp in viral stunt at Scientology church | Brisbane
A social media game that treated churches like video games was taken to court from TikTok, and a young man who was allegedly a “fast runner” was taken to court.
Zeppelin Witheridge, 18, was accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp after a viral challenge went wrong at the Church of Scientology in Brisbane’s CBD.
Chaotic scenes broke out on May 9 after hundreds of people gathered at the church for a “Scientology speedrun”.
The social media trend involves people running into Scientology buildings to see how far they can get before security catches up, then uploading the footage for everyone to rate.
“Speedrunning” in games is about finishing a level as quickly as possible. A “Scientology speedrun” treats maps, real-world buildings like security guards as non-playable characters, and doorways as checkpoints, offering likes and shares as rewards.
But it was “game over” shortly after nearly 200 speedsters descended on the Brisbane church.
After discovering the front door was locked, their attention allegedly shifted to the next potential challenge: the police gathered outside.
Witheridge is accused of throwing his bike over the hood of a patrol car, with onlookers shouting, filming and posting while others jumped on the vehicle, making the stunt go viral.
No one was arrested at the time, but the viral footage led to charges against Witheridge, who was part of Brisbane-based freestyle BMX group Ween Crew, who posted their antics on social media.
The Brisbane show was part of a global trend that started in Los Angeles and has since popped up in London, Edinburgh, New York and Vancouver.
Each time, a local Scientology center was targeted for a “speed run”; participants were sharing tips online, trading building layouts like cheat sheets and donning hoodies and face masks before diving inside.
The Church of Scientology described the behavior as “organized trespass” and harassment, saying some demonstrations caused damage and minor injuries to staff.
Some centers have gone so far as to remove exterior door handles to curb this trend.
In Brisbane, the online challenge had very real consequences for Witheridge, who appeared in the Brisbane magistrates court on Friday.
He was charged with causing a public nuisance, operating a particular vehicle without due care and not wearing a helmet while cycling.
After arriving at court with his mother, Witheridge’s matter was briefly mentioned and adjourned until 24 June.
