FBI says suspicious envelopes sent to Scientology sites are hoax

Los Angeles, USA — The Church of Scientology was hit with appears to be a scary hoax that prompted street closings and evacuations in Southern California.

The FBI said Thursday that envelopes containing a mysterious white powder were mailed to at least 19 church addresses in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The envelopes began showing up Wednesday. Glendale police shut down a street for two hours and Tustin authorities evacuated 60 people from buildings as hazardous materials teams were called in.

The FBI said initial tests indicated the powder was harmless but more tests were being conducted.

The church declined immediate comment.