Second Person Busted in Purse Theft That Rocked DHS

Handcuffs on top of arrest warrant document
District Court Arrest Warrant court papers with handcuffs isolated on white with shallow depth of field

A second suspect has been apprehended in the brazen Easter Sunday theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, as authorities close in on what appears to be a coordinated crime ring targeting luxury handbags in the nation’s capital.

Quick Takes

  • A second suspect has been arrested in Miami in connection with the theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse from a Washington DC restaurant on Easter Sunday
  • The primary suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, is a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally in the U.S. with an extensive criminal history
  • Authorities determined the theft was motivated by the value of Noem’s luxury handbag rather than targeting her specifically
  • The stolen purse contained Noem’s driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, department badge, passport, and $3,000 in cash
  • Five law enforcement agencies including the Secret Service and ICE are involved in the ongoing investigation

Second Thief Nabbed in High-Profile Purse Heist

Federal authorities have announced the arrest of a second suspect in the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse. The individual was apprehended in Miami and is believed to be connected to a series of similar thefts across Washington DC. Currently held on an immigration detainer, the suspect joins the first man arrested in what investigators describe as a professionally executed crime targeting valuable belongings rather than the cabinet secretary herself. The Easter Sunday theft has drawn national attention both for its audacity and the significant contents of the stolen handbag.

The primary suspect in the case, identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, is a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the United States. According to law enforcement officials, Leiva has an extensive criminal history and employed sophisticated techniques to steal Noem’s bag from The Capital Burger in downtown Washington. Security footage captured a man in a mask and cap using his foot to hook the bag, drag it across the floor, and cover it with a coat before exiting the restaurant. The method matches other thefts attributed to the suspect.

Contents and Sophistication of the Theft

The stolen handbag contained far more than just personal items. According to reports, Secretary Noem lost her driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, department badge, passport, and approximately $3,000 in cash. Investigators noted that following the theft, attempts were made to use Noem’s credit cards and access her electronic devices, suggesting the thieves were interested in exploiting any financial information they could obtain. The theft occurred while Noem was dining with her family, with Secret Service agents positioned over 20 feet away to allow for privacy.

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

The interim U.S. attorney confirmed that investigators determined the theft was not politically motivated but rather driven by the value of Noem’s luxury handbag. Matt McCool, involved in the investigation, described the primary suspect as “a serial offender” with experience in targeting restaurant patrons. The second arrest suggests the operation may have been more organized than initially thought, with law enforcement continuing to investigate whether additional accomplices were involved in the theft or in a broader pattern of similar crimes.

National Security Implications and Agency Response

The theft has prompted concerns about security protocols for high-ranking government officials. Five separate law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are participating in the investigation. The incident adds to scrutiny of the Secret Service, which has faced criticism following last year’s assassination attempts against President Trump. While agents were present during the theft, their positioning to provide privacy for the secretary created an opportunity for the criminals to act.

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

A spokesperson for Noem expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved in solving the case: “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.” As investigations continue, additional charges are expected against both suspects. The case highlights ongoing concerns about organized theft rings operating in major cities and raises questions about the presence of illegal immigrants with extensive criminal histories operating freely within the United States.

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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