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During a high-profile meeting in the White House Oval Office on April 14, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, alongside President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, was targeted in a series of thefts that underscore the rising security challenges in Washington, D.C.
Federal prosecutors filed charges on Monday against a man named Mario Bustamente Leiva, alleging his involvement in the theft of Noem’s purse while she was dining with her family under Secret Service protection. The incidents, which took place between April 12 and April 20, include multiple thefts across the city, prompting significant attention from law enforcement and the public.
Bustamente Leiva, now facing charges of robbery, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, is accused of using stolen credit cards from the victims for fraudulent purchases. According to a U.S. Secret Service agent, after each theft, Bustamente Leiva made various transactions, including buying food and alcohol.
The 49-year-old suspect was arrested at a motel in D.C. over the weekend. It was reported that he is residing in the U.S. illegally. During the arrest, authorities recovered Noem’s purse, which contained approximately $3,000 in cash, along with credit cards and other valuables.
In a troubling twist, an accomplice connected to Bustamente Leiva was apprehended in South Florida shortly after the incidents, although his identity remains undisclosed. The investigation revealed a pattern of theft that escalated quickly, with Noem being targeted during a holiday family meal at the Capital Burger restaurant.
Surveillance footage from the restaurant captured Bustamente Leiva entering and positioning himself close to Noem, before stealthily dragging her purse towards him. The incident prompted immediate action from Noem’s Secret Service detail, yet not before Bustamente Leiva managed to make several purchases with the stolen information.
As the investigation unfolded, additional details emerged about Bustamente Leiva’s criminal activities in the days leading up to Noem’s theft. The complaint outlines four total incidents involving Bustamente Leiva, three of which he is officially charged with. Notably, a woman reported her purse stolen at a different restaurant, with video evidence indicating Bustamente Leiva’s involvement in that crime as well. Following this theft, he allegedly made unauthorized purchases using her credit cards, including transactions that occurred shortly after.
In yet another instance, Bustamente Leiva was linked to a theft that occurred at a coffee shop, where he employed a similar tactic to snatch a woman’s shoulder bag from her table. This criminal behavior continued to escalate, leading to more complaints about thefts in the area.
Emergency responders addressed Bustamente Leiva’s health needs after he complained of alcohol withdrawal symptoms during his arrest. A subsequent police interview revealed his admission to the theft of Noem’s purse, although he claimed memory issues due to his reported alcoholism. When shown Noem’s photograph, he appeared unfamiliar with her, despite the gravity of his actions.
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As this case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by public officials, it raises questions about the effectiveness of protective measures in place and the broader implications for personal safety in urban environments.
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