Two people have been arrested in connection with the theft of a designer Gucci bag belonging to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The main suspect was caught in Washington, D.C., while a second arrest occurred in Miami. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed these details, describing the Miami suspect as a co-conspirator.
The theft happened on Easter Sunday while Noem was dining with her family. Close to her table, the primary suspect stealthily took the bag, which was only noticed missing after Noem got up to leave. The bag contained various personal items, including a Louis Vuitton wallet, her driver’s license, and around $3,000 in cash.
Investigators say the main suspect is a “serial offender.” Special Agent Matt McCool noted that the theft had no connection to Noem’s governmental role. Instead, they revealed that the crime might be part of a larger theft ring targeting the Penn Quarter area of D.C.
Noem expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their quick action. She described the main suspect as a long-term illegal immigrant and criticized rising crime rates, echoing sentiments from President Trump’s administration working to enhance public safety.
Surveillance footage showed the thief carefully sliding the bag away while seated at a nearby table, further raising questions about security measures for public officials.
Experts in law enforcement have voiced concerns about how such a crime could happen close to a Cabinet member. The Secret Service will continue overseeing the case, presenting findings to a federal court.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend; thefts in urban areas have surged recently, underscoring the challenges cities face in maintaining public safety. As crime rates fluctuate, many families are feeling increasingly vulnerable.
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