Mysterious envelopes containing white powder sent to 19 Scientology churches

Mysterious envelopes containing a white powder were sent to 19 Church of Scientology locations in southern California.

The envelopes prompted street closures and evacuations as authorities were called in by leaders of the religion that counts such stars as Tom Cruise and John Travolta as followers.

It turned out the powder was harmless but in the Glendale area just north of LA, police shut down a street for two hours.

And in Tustin, Orange County, authorities evacuated 60 people from buildings as hazardous materials teams were called in.

In total, 19 church locations were targeted including the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood and authorities are now trying to determine who sent the envelopes.

The powder sent in the two envelopes to the Church of Scientology turned out to cornstarch and wheat germ, said Lieutenant John Strain of the Tustin Police Department.

An envelope full of powder was also sent to a Church of Scientology in Newport Beach.

At least one of the envelopes sent to the Tustin building contained threats, demanding the Church of Scientology be dismantled, Lt Strain added.

The FBI is now investigating the synchronized threats, which were delivered by the US Postal Services across Southern California.

Envelopes containing the white, powdery substance were discovered in five locations in Los Angeles, including Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley and northeast Los Angeles.

Envelopes were also sent to Church of Scientology properties in Glendale and Santa Monica, in addition to the ones in Tustin and Newport Beach.

A secretary opening the mail at the Tustin church discovered the powder in two envelopes about 3.15pm, Strain said.

The secretary told police she had also answered several annoying phone calls throughout the day before discovering the powder, Strain said.

The secretary and five other people nearby were quarantined for several hours.

The Church of Scientology has made no comment regarding the mailings.

The letters arrived just a week after someone hacked into the Church's website and posted a cyber threat.

The wording of the threat echoes the sentiments of an Internet-based group called Anonymous, which is planning 170 protests Feb. 10 at Church of Scientology locations worldwide, demanding the church be dismantled.

By Nicola Pittam, Feb 01 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy