A man was arrested in Washington, D.C., for allegedly stealing a Gucci handbag belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident occurred last week while Noem was dining with her family at The Capital Burger. The purse contained $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, and other personal items.
The Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service apprehended the suspect on Saturday. Authorities are still looking for a second person involved in the theft. Both suspects are reportedly in the U.S. without legal authorization. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now part of the investigation, according to Ed Martin, the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin noted that there is no evidence suggesting Noem was specifically targeted due to her role at DHS.
The suspect in custody is expected to appear in court soon. Meanwhile, the Secret Service has not confirmed the arrest, citing safety concerns for their agents.
Noem’s bag was stolen while it sat on the floor next to her table. Security footage shows a man wearing a mask and a baseball cap looking around before he grabbed the bag and ran out. Noem described the theft as "professionally done," stating that she initially thought it was her grandchildren playing with her foot. She emphasized the need for safety in communities, reflecting on the incident’s broader implications.
This theft is part of a worrying trend; just days before Noem’s purse was taken, another woman at a nearby restaurant experienced a similar crime. The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about safety in public spaces.