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Two individuals have been detained following the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, which occurred last week while she was dining at a Washington, D.C. restaurant, authorities announced on Sunday.
The incident took place on Easter Sunday, with reports indicating that Noem’s purse contained approximately $3,000 in cash, along with her keys, driver’s license, passport, and Homeland Security badge. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security mentioned that the cash was intended for gifts, dinner, and various family activities during the holiday.
One suspect was apprehended without incident in Washington after a thorough investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, as detailed in a statement issued by Secret Service agent Matt McCool.
This individual was arrested on Saturday, according to police reports.
In his statement, McCool described the suspect as a “serial offender” and noted that there was no indication that Noem was specifically targeted due to her position.
The Metropolitan Police Department revealed that the suspect had been linked to two additional purse thefts at restaurants in Washington earlier this month based on video evidence. Charges for robbery have been filed against the suspect related to these prior incidents.
The Secret Service has directed inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which has yet to respond to requests for further information.
Noem expressed her gratitude to law enforcement agencies “for finding and arresting the criminal who stole my bag on Easter Sunday as I shared a meal with my family.”
She further commented, “This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” The Department of Homeland Security did not provide immediate clarification regarding the suspect’s immigration status.
Later that same day, the Secret Service announced the arrest of a second suspect, believed to be a co-conspirator in both the theft of Noem’s bag and other robbery incidents. This suspect was taken into custody in Miami with the assistance of Miami Beach police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Source
www.theguardian.com