The masked thief who stole Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s $4,400 Gucci handbag—containing $3,000 cash, her passport, DHS badge, apartment keys, and confidential documents—has been arrested, according to a New York Times report.
The theft unfolded on April 20 at The Capital Burger, a restaurant just a mile from the White House, while Noem, 53, was dining with her family for Easter. According to surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement, the suspect, wearing dark pants, a black jacket with a fur-type collar, a baseball cap, and a surgical mask, entered the restaurant around 7:52 pm, scanned the room, and quickly moved in on Noem’s belongings.
Describing the heist, Noem told podcaster Vince Coglianese, “It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse — he hooked with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it.” She initially thought her grandchildren were kicking her under the table. “But it was very professionally done,” she added. “It tells me that this happens all the time to people, and that they live in communities where this is a danger, and it reaffirms why I’m here.”
John Miller, CNN’s chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst, said during a broadcast that the thief appeared to be a “smooth operator” and “does this for a living, there’s no doubt about that.” Miller explained that the man sat down at a table next to Noem’s, slid the bag under his table with his foot, then concealed it under a jacket before walking out with it—all within three minutes of arriving.
Authorities believe the suspect, whose name has not yet been released, is linked to a broader East Coast gang specializing in high-end thefts. Sources indicated to the New York Times that at least two individuals were involved in the robbery, one of whom is reportedly a migrant. The second suspect remains at large, and the arrested individual is expected to make a court appearance early next week.
Security details, including plainclothes Secret Service agents assigned to Noem, were reportedly present inside the restaurant, stationed between her table and the entrance, NBC 4 Washington reported. However, questions remain over how the theft occurred so close to her protection team.
Miller suggested Noem’s visibly expensive bag may have drawn attention. “Based on my experience, if I am a professional pickpocket and bag swiper… when I see a $4,400 Gucci bag… that’s what’s going to make it targeted,” he said. Despite Noem’s cabinet-level position, Miller noted, “If I think this is a cabinet-level person with Secret Service people around and watching her, that’s going to make me walk away. I think what drew him to that table was the bag.”
Investigators are still determining whether the theft was an opportunistic crime or a targeted act due to Noem’s high-profile role. The incident is part of what officials describe as a rising pattern of organized thefts targeting affluent victims along the East Coast.
