Key Takeaways:
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s $4,400 Gucci bag was stolen at a Washington, D.C. restaurant.
- The thief took $3,000 in cash, her access badge, keys, passport, and blank checks.
- CNN’s John Miller says the thief acted like a professional, targeting the luxury bag.
- The incident happened in three minutes, showing the thief’s skill and experience.
Professional Thief Targets DHS Secretary’s Gucci Bag
A recent theft at a downtown Washington, D.C. restaurant has shocked many. Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, had her expensive Gucci bag stolen. The thief also took $3,000 in cash, her DHS access badge, apartment keys, passport, and blank checks. This incident has led experts like CNN’s John Miller to believe the thief is a professional.
The theft happened quickly. Noem was eating with her family at The Capital Burger. A man walked in, looked around, and sat near her. He took her bag in just three minutes.
How the Thief Worked
According to Miller, the thief acted smoothly. He wore black pants, white sneakers, a black jacket, a black baseball cap, and an N95 mask. He seemed to be looking for someone. When Noem’s group got up, he sat next to her. He angled himself toward her, moved her bag under his table, and left with it under his jacket.
This shows the thief knew what he was doing. Miller compared it to how professional pickpockets work. They often target bags hanging on bar stools or chairs. The thief used his jacket to hide the bag and walked out confidently.
Why the Thief Chose the Gucci Bag
Miller thinks the thief was drawn to the Gucci bag because of its high value. He explained that a $4,400 Gucci bag signals that there are valuable items inside. He said, “You know there’s good stuff inside a bag like that.”
He also noted that professionals avoid targeting people with security nearby. Noem is a high-ranking official, so she usually has Secret Service protection. But in this case, the thief took a risk, likely because of the bag’s value.
What Happened After the Theft
The thief took more than just the bag. Inside were sensitive items like her access badge, keys, and passport. These items could be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands.
Miller believes the thief’s experience helped him pull off the heist. He said, “He’s a smooth operator. He does this for a living, no doubt about that.”
What’s Next?
The Secret Service and D.C. Metro Police are investigating the theft. The thief’s identity is still unknown. Noem’s office has not commented on the incident.
Conclusion
This theft shows how quickly a professional can steal from someone, even in a public place. It also highlights the risks of carrying valuable items in crowded areas. The incident is a reminder to always stay alert and protect personal belongings.
The investigation continues, but the thief’s skill and experience make it a challenging case to solve.