Two Arrested in Theft of DHS Secretary Noem's Purse, $3K Cash

Two suspects have been arrested following the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci handbag, which occurred while she was dining with her family on Easter Sunday at a Washington, D.C. restaurant. The bag, containing $3,000 in cash, Noem's passport, driver's license, keys, and a Homeland Security badge, was stolen by a suspect later identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national reportedly in the U.S. illegally and with an extensive criminal history. Authorities apprehended the primary suspect in Washington, D.C., and a co-conspirator in Miami, both of whom are believed to be linked to a larger theft ring in the area. Investigators found no indication that Noem was targeted due to her official position; the theft appeared motivated by the high value of the bag. Surveillance footage showed the suspect skillfully executing the theft despite the presence of Secret Service agents nearby. Noem and law enforcement officials thanked the Secret Service and ICE for their swift response, with Noem emphasizing concerns about crime committed by individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.