Arrest made in the theft of Kristi Noem’s purse and thousands in cash, source says
An arrest has been made in connection with the theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci bag, which occurred while she was dining with her family on Easter Sunday in Washington, DC. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage deliberately sitting near Noem and slyly sliding the bag away with his foot before leaving the restaurant. The stolen bag contained valuable items, including Noem’s driver’s license, a significant amount of cash, and her DHS access badge, raising security concerns. The Secret Service, which was present at the scene, has not disclosed further details about the ongoing investigation or the suspect's identity, though more arrests in a broader theft ring are anticipated. Despite the high-profile nature of the victim, it remains uncertain if Noem was specifically targeted or if the theft was opportunistic.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's Gucci bag was stolen while she was at The Capital Burger restaurant in Washington, DC, with her family on Easter Sunday, leading to an arrest and an ongoing investigation by the Secret Service.
Surveillance footage revealed the suspect, dressed in dark clothing, strategically positioned himself near Noem, using his foot to discreetly slide the bag away while she was unaware.
The stolen bag contained numerous valuable items, including a Louis Vuitton wallet, driver's license, a significant amount of cash, and Noem's DHS access badge, which has prompted concerns about the security of a Cabinet official.
The Secret Service, present inside the restaurant, has not released details about the number of agents or their positions but is handling the investigation with caution, citing safety protocols.
Authorities have not confirmed if the theft was a targeted act against Noem or a random crime, but they anticipate further arrests linked to a theft ring in the area.
The incident has sparked discussions among law enforcement experts about potential security lapses, given the close proximity the thief had to a high-profile government official.
Noem was reportedly carrying a large sum of money to treat her family to various activities and gifts, as they were all gathered for the Easter celebration.