Second Suspect Arrested in Theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Luxury Purse

Person wearing FBI jacket with yellow lettering

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s stolen luxury purse case expands as authorities capture a second suspect in Miami, uncovering what appears to be part of a coordinated theft ring operated by illegal immigrants.

Key Takeaways

  • A second suspect has been arrested in Miami in connection with the Easter Sunday theft of Secretary Noem’s purse, which contained her passport, badge, $3,000 cash, and other valuables.
  • The primary suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, is a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the U.S. with an extensive criminal history.
  • Five law enforcement agencies including Secret Service and ICE are collaborating on the investigation, which has determined the theft was motivated by the luxury bag rather than targeting Noem specifically.
  • Secret Service agents were present during the theft but positioned over 20 feet away to allow Noem privacy with her family.
  • The incident has added to scrutiny of the Secret Service, which faced criticism following assassination attempts on President Trump last year.

Second Arrest Made in High-Profile Purse Theft Case

Federal authorities have apprehended a second suspect involved in the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, advancing their investigation into what appears to be a sophisticated theft operation. The unnamed accomplice was captured in Miami and is reportedly connected to a series of similar thefts throughout Washington D.C. This individual is currently being held on an immigration detainer while authorities finalize formal charges, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the case. The arrest comes just days after the primary suspect was identified and taken into custody.

The investigation revealed that the theft occurred on Easter Sunday at The Capital Burger in downtown Washington as Secretary Noem dined with her family. Security footage showed a masked individual skillfully using his foot to hook Noem’s bag, dragging it across the floor before concealing it with a coat and exiting the establishment. The stolen handbag contained numerous valuable and sensitive items including Noem’s driver’s license, department badge, passport, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, and approximately $3,000 in cash.

Primary Suspect Identified as Illegal Immigrant with Criminal History

The first suspect arrested in the case has been identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national who is illegally present in the United States. Authorities describe Leiva as having an extensive criminal background and employing a specific method for his thefts – targeting restaurant patrons’ purses before quickly fleeing the scene. Following the theft, Leiva allegedly attempted to use Secretary Noem’s credit cards and access her electronic devices before being apprehended.

“This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years,” Noem said.

Matt McCool, the interim U.S. attorney handling the case, has confirmed the suspect is “a serial offender” and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials have determined that the theft was not specifically targeting Secretary Noem due to her position, but rather was motivated by the visible luxury handbag. The Secret Service, which has faced increased scrutiny following previous security incidents involving President Trump, had agents present during the incident but positioned approximately 20 feet away to provide privacy for Noem’s family gathering.

Multi-Agency Response Demonstrates Serious Nature of Investigation

The theft has prompted a coordinated response from five separate law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and local authorities. This substantial allocation of resources highlights the serious nature of the crime against a high-ranking cabinet official. Through their joint investigation, these agencies established connections between the two suspects and uncovered evidence suggesting they may be part of a larger criminal enterprise responsible for multiple similar thefts in the Washington D.C. area.

“Public safety is strongest when built on trust and collaboration,” Special Agent Rafael Barros said.

Secretary Noem’s office expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspects. “Thank you to Secret Service and ICE and our law enforcement partners for finding and arresting the criminal who stole my bag on Easter Sunday as I shared a meal with my family at a Washington DC restaurant,” a spokesperson for Noem stated. The incident has reignited discussions about public safety in the nation’s capital and the broader implications of crimes committed by individuals illegally present in the country, topics that align with the administration’s focus on border security and immigration enforcement.

Sources:

  1. Authorities Make Arrest Linked to Noem’s Stolen Purse – The New York Times
  2. Second suspect arrested in connection to DHS Secretary Noem’s purse snatching

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