Controversial cross stolen from Mojave Desert

NIPTON, Calif. The cross had been challenged by critics who argued that a religious symbol shouldn't be allowed on public land, but the U.S. Supreme Court refused to order it removed last month.

Officials said the thieves cut the bolts holding the metal-pipe cross down and took it either late Sunday or early Monday.

The cross was erected in 1934 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor World War I casualties.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.