Details are sketchy at this time, but a S.H.I.E.L.D. spokesperson has revealed that Captain America’s shield has gone missing.

It’s unclear who has taken the shield as no photographic evidence exists, but S.H.I.E.L.D. has issued an artistic rendering of the accused along with this statement. “S.H.I.E.L.D. is following several leads and we are working with the cooperation of New York City authorities to resolve this matter.” Un-named sources have spotted several S.H.I.E.L.D agents in and around television studios owned by Comedy Central.

One of the biggest questions is “Why?” Few have shown the strength, let alone have had the training, to properly wield the shield, so its use as a weapon seems negligible. If it was stolen to act as a trophy, then it must be taken back and placed in a museum proper. Whatever the reason, whosoever has the shield now will have much to answer for, particularly in these tumultuous times.

With just one of the two shooters believed to be behind the killing of Captain America in custody, this new wrinkle in the Cap case has the country even further on edge and authorities scrambling to find the famous shield.

The shield, granted to Captain America by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 is composed of several virtually indestructible–yet classified–metallic alloys. Though not his first shield, Cap famously used this circular weapon as both a rallying force for U.S. troops, as well as to battle Nazis prior to his disappearance at the end of World War II. Upon his reemergence decades later, the shield followed with him.

More than 60 years after its creation, the shield remains a symbol of American strength and will. With the country still reeling from Captain America’s death, the location and security of the shield has become a priority for authorities from S.H.I.E.L.D. to local police.

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