Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, was the victim of a purse larceny while dining with her family at a restaurant in Washington, D.C., at Easter.
Her Gucci purse, which contained $3,000 in cash, her passport, driver’s license, DHS access badge, apartment keys, and other personal belongings, was discreetly stolen by a masked individual while she was seated.
The suspect, a white male who was wearing a surgical mask and a jacket with a fur-lined collar, was captured on surveillance footage using his foot to remove the bag from Noem’s feet. He then concealed the bag with a coat and exited the establishment.
Noem subsequently characterized the incident as “professionally executed,” stating that she initially believed her grandchildren were playfully kicking her legs before realizing that her bag was missing. She underscored the necessity of vigilance and the repercussions of such illicit activities.
In order to identify the suspect, the Secret Service has initiated an investigation and is currently examining surveillance footage. No arrests have been made thus far.