Three Charged With Hate Crimes After Midtown Church Break-In

Police charged three men with hate crimes Monday in connection with a May 2 break-in at a Midtown church. Jaelen Dinkens, 19, and Mohammed Amolegbe, 21, each face counts of burglary, criminal mischief and assault, all classified as hate crimes. Tashaun Simms, 28, was charged with obstructing governmental administration and tampering with physical evidence.

The charges came more than three weeks after a group of 31 people forced entry through a locked side door at the West 46th Street location while a seminar was underway. Police said the intruders caused $10,000 in damage and kicked a 30-year-old male employee in the leg, resulting in minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.

Police released video footage Sunday showing some of the individuals entering the building, knocking over a storage container, and one person appearing to spray silly string at a security camera.

International said the group forced entry, damaged property and created a physical disturbance inside the building. The church described the event as part of a social media trend it called "speed running," in which participants film themselves entering Scientology properties.

"A group of individuals forced their way into the Church of Scientology New York, broke a locked door to gain entry, and rushed into the building," the church said.