Two individuals have been apprehended in relation to the theft of US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse last week at a Washington DC restaurant, as announced by officials on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Easter Sunday, during which Noem’s purse was stolen. This purse reportedly contained approximately $3,000 in cash, her keys, driver’s license, passport, and homeland security badge. According to the homeland security department, the cash in Noem’s purse was to be used for family gifts, dinner, and other Easter activities.
Following an investigation conducted by the US Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, a suspect was taken into custody without incident in Washington, as stated by Secret Service agent Matt McCool in a report.
The suspect, who was arrested on Saturday, was described by McCool as a “serial offender.” There was no evidence to suggest that Noem was targeted because of her position.
The Metropolitan Police Department linked the suspect to two other instances of purse theft in Washington restaurants earlier this month, using video evidence. Charges of robbery were brought against the suspect in those cases.
When questions were directed towards the US attorney’s office regarding more information, they did not respond.
Noem expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies for apprehending the person responsible for stealing her bag during Easter Sunday while she had dinner with her family.
“Noem stated in a prepared statement, “This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” Further details about the suspect’s immigration status were not immediately available from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Later on Sunday, the Secret Service announced the arrest of a second suspect, believed to be a co-conspirator in the theft of Noem’s bag and other robberies, in Miami. This arrest was aided by the Miami Beach Police and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/27/kristi-noem-purse-suspects-arrested
