Guard fatally shoots man with swords at Scientology building
Police say surveillance tape at the Church of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in Hollywood backs the guard's contention that he was acting in self-defense.
A security guard at the Church of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in Hollywood today shot and killed a man wielding two samurai swords, police said.
Police detained the guard for questioning but said a surveillance tape at the facility backed his claim that he fired his gun to protect himself and two colleagues.
"The evidence is very clear the security officers were defending their safety," said Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Terry S. Hara.
Authorities did not release the name of the guard or man killed in the 1:30 p.m. shooting. The tape showed the man arriving at the Celebrity Centre's Bronson Avenue parking lot in a red convertible, getting out of the vehicle and approaching a trio of security guards while waving a sword in each hand, Hara said.
He said the man, who was described as being in his 40s, was "close enough to hurt them" when the guard fired. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said the guard worked for a private security company. Detectives cordoned off the Franklin Avenue complex with yellow tape as investigators combed through the dead man's vehicle. The incident occurred at one of Hollywood's most distinctive landmarks. Originally a luxury hotel, the eight-story building was built in the style of a 17th century French castle with a striking white facade and turrets that loom over the nearby Hollywood Freeway.
The church transformed the building into a facility aimed at celebrities 39 years ago. According to a church website, the Celebrity Centre caters to "artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world." The complex includes a restaurant, theater and hotel.
Representatives for the church did not immediately return calls.
"I have no information," said a woman who answered the phone at the Celebrity Centre.
The facility is ringed by a fence, and security cameras dot the property's perimeter. Guards on bikes also patrol the area.
"That is one thing about living here, you get free security," said Brant Hoibin, 34, who lives in an apartment adjacent to the Celebrity Centre.
Wagner and Ryan are Times staff writers.
james.wagner@latimes.com
harriet.ryan@latimes.com
