- "Ward's his secret weapon. He killed Victoria Hand, then raided the Fridge, and now he's got Skye, which is where we were headed until you so rudely interrupted to sweeten your deal."
- ―Phil Coulson to Maria Hill[src]
The Assassination of Victoria Hand was an attack staged on Victoria Hand on S.H.I.E.L.D. Echo 3, executed by Grant Ward in order to release John Garrett.
Background
- "I'll head to the Fridge. At least that facility is secure."
"I don't need to remind you how imperative it is that it stay that way."
"And I'll find Agent Garrett the smallest, darkest cell in the icebox."
"I'd like to turn the key on that cell myself if you don't mind, sir." - ―Victoria Hand, Phil Coulson, and Grant Ward[src]
A signal was sent to all HYDRA agents to start the HYDRA Uprising. S.H.I.E.L.D. facilities everywhere were in chaos, including the Hub. Victoria Hand surrounded herself with five agents she knew were loyal. Hand, thinking that Phil Coulson was a traitor, diverted the Bus to the Hub and sent two S.H.I.E.L.D. UAV's to destroy John Garrett's S.H.I.E.L.D. Jump Jet. Garrett was able to destroy the UAV's with the help of Coulson and board the Bus.
The Bus landed at the Hub and Hand ordered her agents to capture Coulson. Before agents stormed the Bus, they managed to get out of the plane. As Garrett gave reasons why Hand should be killed, he mentioned that Raina and Coulson were both subjected to the Theta Brain-Wave Frequency Machine by the Clairvoyant. This fact was never revealed by Coulson, causing him to realize that Garrett was the Clairvoyant. Garrett confirmed it as guards surrounded them.
Coulson ordered the guards to arrest Garrett, but undercover HYDRA operatives killed the loyalists and turned against Coulson. Before the guards could execute their orders, Skye and Grant Ward gave Coulson's Team the advantage. A battle then ensued where the guards were subdued by May and Fitz, and Garrett was knocked out by Coulson. Hand, accompanied by her loyalists, stormed the room. She knew that Garrett was a traitor because of bugs planted in the room. Garrett and his agents were arrested. However, Ward requested to join Hand in transporting Garrett to the Fridge, claiming that Garrett was his S.O. and he'd like to be the one to lock the key to his cell. She agreed not knowing that actually Ward was HYDRA agent.[1]
Assassination
Grant Ward and Victoria Hand taking John Garrett to the Fridge
- "I'm thinking the icebox of the Fridge is a little too comfortable for you. Maybe we should put you a little deeper underground. What do you think, Agent Ward? You shot the wrong Clairvoyant before. Care to shoot the right one?"
- ―Victoria Hand to Grant Ward[src]
Once airborne, Victoria Hand mocked John Garrett and asked Grant Ward if he'd like to kill the true Clairvoyant. Ward silently stood up and loaded his gun, however, Ward immediately shot and killed Jacobson and Chaimson, before turning the gun on Hand and shooting her three times, killing her. He then freed Garrett and they escaped.[1]
Aftermath
- "Grant's already told me everything everything about his abusive family, about John Garrett, about having to kill Victoria Hand."
- ―Agent 33 to Bobbi Morse[src]
Eventually, Grant Ward and John Garrett arrived at the Fridge in order to raid it for its hidden weaponry. Hand gave specific orders to its guardians that no one was to enter the facility without her being there; Ward did not know this in advance and tried to talk the guards into allowing him and Garrett entry. Ultimately, the guards defied her orders when Kaminsky fired upon them from his S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicopter.[2]