DHS chief Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen days after similar incident nearby: report

A recent incident in downtown Washington, D.C. has left a woman dining with her family feeling violated after her purse was stolen just a few blocks away from where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handbag was also swiped. The victim recounted that she was dining at a restaurant inside the Westin Hotel when she noticed her purse was missing around the time her family received the bill. According to a police report, the suspect grabbed her bag “from the chair it was hanging on.”

Just three days later, Noem’s purse was stolen at The Capital Burger, a restaurant located less than a quarter mile away. The stolen purse contained $3,000 in cash, along with personal documents such as her passport, keys, driver’s license, and a DHS badge. In both instances, the suspect was described as a White male dressed in dark clothing, a dark baseball hat, and wearing an N95 mask.

The victim of the Westin incident expressed shock at the similarity of the crimes, highlighting the brazenness of the thefts. While it remains unclear if the two incidents are connected, the victim mentioned that police contacted her and inquired about her involvement in politics, to which she confirmed she was not.

The Metropolitan Police Department has refrained from commenting on the Noem theft as they are not leading the investigation. In the Noem case, a Homeland Security spokesperson revealed that the Secretary was using the cash in her stolen purse to treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts as her entire family was in town, including her children and grandchildren.

As investigations continue into these thefts, the community remains on alert for any suspicious activities. The incidents serve as a reminder to always be vigilant of one’s belongings, especially in public places. Hopefully, law enforcement will swiftly apprehend the culprits and bring justice to the victims.

(Original article source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kristi-noem-purse-rcna202492)