The thief accused of stealing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse containing $3,000 and her government ID appears to have scooted the Gucci bag away from her with his foot.
Noem said she was dining at Washington D.C.’s Capital Burger restaurant Sunday night when her purse went missing. Surveillance video reportedly shows the thief sitting at a table near Noem’s with his back turned, then using his left foot to inch the bag across the floor, closer to his seat.
The alleged thief then made sure the coast was clear before picking up the purse, covering it with his jacket and making his escape, according to CNN.
Noem didn’t appear to realize she’d been targeted until she got up from her table. CNN said the Trump administration cabinet member’s bag contained $3,000 cash, a Louis Vuitton wallet, medication, a passport, Noem’s DHS access badge, blank checks and a makeup bag.
Noem claimed to be carrying around a significant amount of cash for “dinner, activities and Easter gifts.”
It’s not clear if the purse snatcher knew Noel or targeted her specifically. No arrests have been announced. NBC News in Washington D.C. said the suspect was wearing an N95 mask.
The MAGA loyalist posted a group photo on Easter Sunday where she appeared to be surrounded by loved ones. She was accompanied by Secret Service agents when her bag was snatched, CNN said.
Noem was the governor of South Dakota before joining Trump’s cabinet. She rose to national prominence in 2022 after writing a memoir in which she boasts about shooting her family dog for behavior issues. The 53-year-old Republican was rumored to be under consideration to become Trump’s 2024 running mate prior to the negative press that came from that admission.
