Suspect in Theft of Secretary Kristi Noem’s Purse Identified as Illegal Immigrant, Second Suspect at Large

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters on April 9, 2025, in Washington

The man arrested in connection with the theft of Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse is in the United States illegally, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. A second suspect, also reportedly in the country illegally, remains at large as law enforcement continues the investigation.

Authorities emphasized there is no indication that Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, was targeted specifically because of her position. Officials described the crime as a theft of opportunity, with U.S. Attorney Ed Martin stating, "It was frankly, it was a nice-looking purse."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has joined the investigation. Martin confirmed that under President Trump's directives, individuals in the country illegally who commit crimes are to be charged, prosecuted, and deported. "What I can tell you is he won’t be back on the streets in America," Martin said.

The suspect demonstrated clear experience as a thief. Surveillance footage showed him scouting the restaurant, moving deliberately to carry out the theft without hesitation. Further details about the suspect’s identity have not been made public.

The incident occurred at Capital Burger, a restaurant in Washington, D.C., when a masked man entered the establishment, bypassed two plainclothes Secret Service officers at the bar, and approached Secretary Noem’s table upstairs. He sat near her, dragged her purse toward himself with his foot, and then quickly concealed it under his jacket before walking out of the restaurant, again passing by the protection agents.

Noem’s purse contained approximately $3,000 in cash, her Department of Homeland Security access badge, her passport, multiple credit cards, blank checks, a set of keys, and her driver’s license.

The Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service are jointly investigating the theft. The Secret Service has declined to comment, citing operational security and ongoing procedures.

When asked about the incident during the White House Easter Egg Roll, Noem said she could not comment, stating, “It’s not resolved yet.”