Sword-Wielder Killed At Scientology Center

Security Guard Shoots Man Waving Pair Of Samurai Swords At Hollywood Building, LAPD Says

(AP)  Police said a man who waved a pair of Samurai swords on the grounds of a Hollywood Scientology building had a "previous relationship" to the church, but released little other information about the man shot and killed by a security guard.

The unidentified man, described as being in his 40s, approached three guards Sunday in the parking lot of the Scientology Celebrity Centre, Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Terry S. Hara said.

The man was "close enough to hurt them" when one of the guards shot him, Hara said, and after questioning the guards and looking at surveillance tape decided the shooting was justified.

"The evidence itself, it's very, very clear," Hara said. "The security officers were defending their safety."

Police said the tape showed the man appearing at about noon in a red convertible, then approaching the guards with a sword in each hand before he was shot, Hara said.

The man was later pronounced dead at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

Detective Wendi Berndt told the Los Angeles Times the man had been involved with the church in the past.

"There was a previous relationship, but it is unclear to what degree," Berndt said.

Calls to Scientology spokespeople on Sunday were not returned.

The Celebrity Centre includes a seven-story Norman-revival landmark that towers over the Hollywood freeway and used to be a residential hotel for movie stars.

The castle-like facility now serves as "a home for the artist, a place where he can come and learn, attend seminars, meet other artists and even perform at our many showcases and events," according to the Centre's Web site.

The Church of Scientology was established in 1945 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard and claims 10 million members around the world, including celebrity devotees Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

[poolenta]

" Let me also say that I''''m heartened by Germany''''s decision to no longer pursue their investigation and harrassment of Scientology. "

Germany harassing a religious group? Hmm, that rings a bell....

[poolenta]

" Let me also say that I''''m heartened by Germany''''s decision to no longer pursue their investigation and harrassment of Scientology. "

Germany harassing a religious group? Hmm, that rings a bell....

[cheetah-man7]

These Scientologists are all idiots... This story is so sad, but the religion itself is a hysterical joke - especially those who are better educated than to really see this stuff as "real". God have mercy on them all...

[nothappyatall]

The Church of Scientology was established in 1945 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard "

That explains a lot- a SCIENCE FICTION writer is just perfect to preach the biggest work of fiction there is- the buybull.

[summarex]

Vegasresiden said:
How many Churches out there have full time armed security guards?

That''s no church!
It''s a celebrity worship center.

[shanev137]

I thought you''re suppose to pray for your enemies and not kill them....oh wait, wrong religion.

[piercetheval]

...Well, he knows for sure NOW that there is a God and L. Ron was wrong...

[VegasResident]

If I remember correctly, the LDS Church has a Church Security Department with like ex US govt LEO''s. They have their own K-9, etc.

[VegasResident]

Here is the State of Vatican City Police Link and another link about their application to Interpol

http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/Structure_Governorate/Gendarme_Corps.htm

http://www.interpol.int/Public/News/2008/VisitVatican20080922.asp

[VegasResident]

You would think more churches would have security guards considering how many people now get shot in churches....