2 suspects are arrested over the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Noem's purse
npr.orgPublished: 4/30/2025
Summary
The theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse during her Easter dinner at Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., led to the arrest of Mario Bustamante Leiva, charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery. Leiva was seen near the incident, allegedly retrieved her property, and made purchases over $200 using her credit cards before leaving on a bus. He is undocumented, in custody, and under an immigration detainer. A second suspect, not yet identified, has also been arrested as part of the investigation involving the purse thefts.