Suspect arrested in US Homeland Security secretary's stolen purse case

ISTANBUL

The US Secret Service announced Sunday that investigators have arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handbag at an upscale Washington hamburger restaurant last weekend.

Secret Service Special Agent Matt McCool said the suspect, described as a "serial offender," did not appear to target Kristi Noem specifically, adding that the person had attempted to use her credit card and access her electronic devices, The New York Times reported.

The incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 20, while Noem was dining with her family at an upscale hamburger restaurant in Washington.

The purse, reportedly taken from beneath her chair, contained identification documents, her badge, passport, approximately $3,000 in cash, and other personal items, according to the newspaper.

The thief used his foot to drag the bag away, concealed it with a coat, and exited the restaurant. At the time, Noem’s Secret Service detail was reportedly more than 20 feet away, allowing her privacy, the daily said in its report, citing a spokesperson for the Homeland Security secretary.

In a social media post, Noem referred to the suspect as a “career criminal” and an illegal immigrant. The Secret Service did not confirm this, but a US attorney said the suspect had entered the country unlawfully and that additional suspects are being sought.

McCool said five agencies were involved in the investigation, including the Metropolitan Police Department and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The incident comes amid renewed scrutiny of the Secret Service, which has faced intense criticism following two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump last year.