Brade
ATF
The suspect accused of stealing DHS CHIEF KRISTI NOEM’S luxury Gucci handbag, containing $3,000 in cash and personal belongings, was arrested on Saturday in Washington, D.C., according to reports. The Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service apprehended the suspect, as reported by the New York Post. Authorities are still searching for a second individual connected to the incident.
Both suspects are reportedly in the U.S. without authorization, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now involved in the case, according to ED MARTIN, the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin clarified that there is no indication KRISTI NOEM was specifically targeted due to her role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The suspect in custody is scheduled to appear in court early this week, as reported by the New York Post. The U.S. Secret Service has not confirmed the arrest, citing operational security. ANTHONY GUGLIELMI, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated on X, “For the safety of our agents and officers, we are not in a position to confirm or comment at this time.”
KRISTI NOEM was with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., on Easter Sunday when the incident occurred. Her luxury bag, which contained $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, medication, makeup, blank checks, a DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet, was stolen.
According to a local police complaint, the bag was on the floor near her table when it was taken. Security footage captured a white male suspect wearing an N95 mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap. The individual reportedly glanced around the restaurant before grabbing the bag, covering it with his jacket, and fleeing the scene.
KRISTI NOEM described the incident as “professionally done” during an interview with VINCE COGLIANESE on the VINCE Show. She stated, “I felt it, but I thought it was my grandchild kicking me in the leg. It tells that this happens all the time to people, and it reaffirms why I am here—to make our communities safer.”
This incident occurred just days after a similar theft at a nearby restaurant, where another woman’s purse was stolen in a comparable manner.
**Sources:**
[New York Post](https://nypost.com)
[NBC 4](https://www.nbcwashington.com)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
