Man with swords dies at Scientology center

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A security guard at a Scientology facility in Los Angeles was acting in self defense when he shot and killed a sword-wielding man Sunday afternoon, police said.

The man -- who was not immediately identified -- brandished a samurai sword in each hand as he got out of a car and approached three security guards at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Police questioned the security guard who shot the man and later said a security video supported the guard's claim that he fired at the man to protect himself and two other guards.

"The evidence is very clear the security officers were defending their safety," said Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Terry S. Hara.

The guard's name was not released. An investigator said the man who was shot had been involved with the church in the past but was not currently a member.

Hara said the man was "close enough to hurt" the security guards when one the guard fired his weapon.