President Trump takes decisive action on controversial virus research linked to the COVID-19 pandemic through a new executive order.
According to the New York Post, Trump signed an executive order Monday prohibiting all federal funding for gain-of-function research in China, Iran, and other nations lacking proper oversight of these experiments. The move comes more than five years after the COVID-19 outbreak, which U.S. intelligence agencies believe likely originated from a laboratory accident.
The executive order targets experiments that enhance the infectiousness of viruses and bacteria, with particular focus on research similar to that conducted on bat coronaviruses by EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The order also implements a temporary pause on all research involving infectious pathogens and toxins until new enforcement policies are developed.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the signing a historic moment, marking the end of federal government funding for gain-of-function studies. He explained that these experiments, also known as dual-use research, had been intermittently conducted from World War II until 2001.
The order deputizes the National Institutes of Health and other agencies to identify biological research that could threaten public health or national security. It also tasks the FBI and HHS with identifying potential threats similar to the Wuhan laboratory situation.
NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya emphasized that most scientific research would continue normally under the new restrictions. He noted that gain-of-function experiments, which make pathogens more virulent and transmissible to humans, pose unnecessary risks.
Federal officials have struggled to track the full extent of gain-of-function research conducted in China and other nations. A Department of Defense Office of Inspector General review discovered at least seven grants totaling more than $15.5 million that went to research organizations in China through subrecipients.
The NIAID, then under Dr. Anthony Fauci's leadership, and USAID channeled over $1.4 million in grants through EcoHealth to the Wuhan laboratory between 2014 and 2021. This funding supported a project titled "Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence."
EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak testified to Congress last year about the organization's involvement, admitting that Chinese biosafety regulations were less stringent than U.S. standards. He also acknowledged limited access to the Wuhan Institute's genomic data.
Sen. Joni Ernst praised Trump's decision, emphasizing her long-standing opposition to sending taxpayer dollars to China for what she termed "sketchy pseudoscience." The FBI, Energy Department, and CIA have all indicated that a laboratory leak was the most likely explanation for the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to HHS Secretary Kennedy, the research ban addresses serious concerns about biological weapons development. He cited China's ongoing work with AI and CRISPR technologies, along with similar programs in Russia and Iran.
Trump's executive order received support from various government agencies and officials who have been critical of previous oversight failures. The Pentagon's internal watchdog highlighted significant data limitations in tracking such research funding.
President Trump signed this landmark executive order to prevent potential future pandemics originating from laboratory accidents in countries with inadequate safety protocols. The order specifically targets gain-of-function research in China, Iran, and other nations while implementing stricter oversight measures for biological research that could impact public health or national security. The FBI and HHS will collaborate to identify and prevent emerging threats similar to the Wuhan laboratory situation, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding potentially dangerous scientific experiments conducted overseas.
President Donald Trump's controversial stance on acquiring Greenland takes a dramatic turn as he openly discusses the possibility of using military force.
According to the Washington Examiner, Trump reiterated his interest in taking control of Greenland during a Meet the Press interview with NBC host Kristen Welker, where he explicitly refused to rule out military action to acquire the Danish territory.
The president's remarks come amid growing concerns about Chinese and Russian activities in the Arctic region, with both nations expanding their military presence and capabilities. Intelligence reports from both U.S. and Danish agencies have highlighted the increasing threat posed by these powers in the strategically vital Arctic waters.
During the NBC interview, Trump emphasized Greenland's crucial role in global security. He stressed that proper defense of a significant portion of Earth, including the United States, would be impossible without control over the territory. The president also mentioned his intention to protect and support Greenland's small population.
Trump stated during the interview:
I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything. No, not there. We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we'll take care of, and we'll cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security.
Recent intelligence reports have revealed China's long-term strategy to gain access to Greenland's natural resources and establish a strategic foothold in the Arctic region. The Danish Defense Minister has also warned about Russia's growing military capabilities in the area.
A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll revealed that 76% of U.S. citizens oppose any attempts to take control of Greenland. The White House has dismissed these poll results, asserting that they don't accurately reflect the support for Trump's initiatives.
The president's statements have sparked criticism from multiple fronts, including Greenland officials, Danish leaders, and Democratic politicians in the United States. Despite this opposition, the White House maintains that Greenlanders would benefit from U.S. protection against modern Arctic threats.
Security experts have expressed particular concern about China and Russia's growing fleet of icebreakers, including nuclear-powered vessels that surpass NATO's current capabilities. These developments have intensified the urgency of Trump's push for control over Greenland.
The Danish Defense Intelligence Service has issued warnings about Russia's military buildup, suggesting that within two years, Russia could pose a credible threat to NATO countries if the alliance doesn't match this military expansion.
President Trump's latest statements about potentially using military force to acquire Greenland represent a significant escalation in his long-standing interest in the territory. The prospect of military action to gain control of the Danish territory has created diplomatic tension and raised concerns about global security dynamics.
The situation continues to evolve as the U.S. faces mounting challenges in the Arctic region, particularly from China and Russia's expanding influence.
While the administration maintains its position on Greenland's strategic importance, the international community watches closely for any developments in this unprecedented diplomatic situation.
The Trump administration has reached a settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police during the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest.
The settlement authorized by the administration resolves a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt's family against the government, as the Daily Mail reports.
Babbitt, 35, was among the individuals who entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. She was shot by Lt. Michael Byrd as she attempted to breach the Speaker's lobby, an area where members of Congress were sheltering during the demonstration.
Lt. Byrd, who later disclosed in an interview that he had not assessed Babbitt's intentions before firing, was cleared of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation in August 2021.
Babbitt's husband, Aaron Babbitt, subsequently filed a $30 million lawsuit against the government. The suit alleged wrongful death and negligence in response to the actions taken by Lt. Byrd. The Justice Department has now reached a preliminary agreement with Babbitt’s estate to settle the case, though specific details of the settlement are yet to be finalized.
Tom Fitton, representing Babbitt's family, led the discussions for the settlement. President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Babbitt family, characterizing her death as wrongful and expressing intentions to investigate further into the incident. Trump labeled Babbitt as an ardent supporter of his and criticized the actions that led to her death as disgraceful.
Lt. Byrd, in interviews, defended his actions by stating he acted to protect the lives of Congress members and officers who were in apparent jeopardy. Byrd expressed that his attempts to manage the situation involved tactical stances and commands for compliance, which were not heeded. Consequently, his decision to use his weapon came after failed verbal warnings aimed at de-escalating the situation.
During the chaotic events, an extensive crowd was set on breaching secure areas of the Capitol, exacerbating the potential threat to safety. Immediate actions, such as Byrd's, were deemed justified by perceived imminent dangers, although the tragic outcomes were heavily scrutinized after the event. The use of force was ultimately declared a necessary measure under the extraordinary circumstances encountered.
In recounting the moments that led to the discharge of his weapon, Byrd noted the pressure of ensuring protective measures for both himself and his colleagues. He said his protocol in aiming was centered on practical defense, while Babbitt's position offered a limited view, affecting the eventual outcome.
Babbitt, a passionate conservative, drew significant public and political attention following the incident. Video recordings showed the aftermath of her shooting, sparking broad debates over the appropriateness of the police response and Babbitt’s role in the protests.
The events of January 6, which involved over 1,500 people facing criminal charges, marked a significant historical occurrence in contemporary U.S. politics. The majority of those prosecuted for participation received pardons from Trump, further complicating the narrative around accountability for actions taken on that day.
This settlement represents a pivotal development in the long-ongoing examination of responsibility and legal outcomes stemming from the incidents of Jan. 6. The legal proceedings and settlements serve as important markers for how justice is sought and perceived in the wake of civil unrest.
As the public awaits further details of the settlement's completion, the proceedings echo the ongoing societal conversations around protest, law enforcement, and governmental response in times of national crisis. Moreover, as this chapter of the Jan. 6 aftermath closes with a legal resolution, the dialogue on political expression and constitutional limits continues to resonate across the nation.
In a significant crackdown on child exploitation, a notable number of individuals were arrested during a four-day operation in Georgia, including a former Democratic Party political candidate.
"Operation Lights Out" aimed to identify and apprehend online predators and individuals engaged in sexually explicit communication with minors and resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects -- including one with stated ill intentions toward Donald Trump -- on various charges related to child exploitation and trafficking, as Breitbart reports.
The operation was spearheaded by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Months of planning and collaboration across 12 different law enforcement agencies brought together efforts to combat the rising issue of online child exploitation and trafficking.
The goal of the operation was clear, namely, to identify and eliminate individuals engaging in lewd communication with minors over the internet, particularly those who attempt to set up in-person meetings for inappropriate purposes. Authorities also targeted those financially contributing to the exploitation of children.
Among those arrested was Carl Sprayberry, a notable figure who recently ran for Georgia’s District 139 in the November 2024 election cycle. He now faces serious charges relating to human trafficking, adding a new layer of controversy to his public persona.
Other individuals arrested include Marquise Anderson and Javious Davenport, both facing human trafficking charges. Roger Burkes was also detained under the charges stipulated by the Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.
Sheriff Greg Countryman underscored the importance of parental involvement during a public statement. “I want to make a plea with parents to closely monitor your children to ensure they are not communicating with these individuals,” he said. Emphasizing the severity of the issue, the sheriff stressed that “These predators will travel from near and far to victimize your children."
He further reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to finding and prosecuting these criminals, noting the serious nature of crimes against children. “We take these crimes against children very seriously," Countryman noted. The apprehension of these individuals, especially figures like Sprayberry, highlights the pervasive threat posed by those exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in digital communication channels. This issue is further compounded by Sprayberry's previous controversial statements on social media.
Sprayberry's digital footprint extends beyond his recent arrest. He previously took to the social media platform X, posting incendiary messages advocating violence against President Donald Trump. In a series of now-public posts, he suggested acts that provoked backlash and brought him under increased scrutiny.
One of his posts, shared by Libs of TikTok, explicitly called for violent action against a prominent property associated with Trump, stating, “Bomb Mar-a-Lago.” His words have highlighted the dangers of how online platforms can be misused to incite violence and unrest.
With law enforcement's focus on combating child exploitation, community leaders and citizens are called upon to reflect on the complexity of these crimes. The operation serves as both a success in law enforcement strategy and a warning about the persistent dangers lurking online.
The spotlight on Sprayberry's arrest brings a broader discussion about accountability, the role of political figures in public safety, and the importance of community awareness in preventative measures. As officials continue to battle these egregious forms of abuse, collaboration and vigilance remain pivotal for progress.
Operation Lights Out concludes with a clear result: predators will face justice, and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement will keep striving to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Expanding public engagement and knowledge is key to enhancing safety measures against these heinous crimes.
A heated exchange between former White House senior advisor Stephen Miller and Fox News host John Roberts unfolded during a live broadcast segment discussing recent poll numbers.
According to Daily Caller, Miller directly told Roberts that Fox News "needs to fire its pollster" after the host cited new polling data showing Trump's negative ratings on key issues, including inflation and tariffs.
The confrontation arose when Roberts referenced Fox News poll findings indicating Trump holds disapproval ratings of 59% and 58% on inflation and tariffs respectively. Miller immediately dismissed the poll's credibility, pointing to what he claimed were previous inaccurate predictions regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential prospects in 2024.
Miller's comments during the broadcast represented an unusual moment of internal criticism aimed at Fox News's polling methodology. Rather than engage with the specific numbers presented, he focused on questioning the fundamental reliability of the network's polling operation.
Following the contentious exchange, Roberts made a point to defend the network's polling practices. He emphasized that Fox News stands firmly behind their polling methodology and results, as they have consistently done throughout their history. The public disagreement highlighted growing tensions between Trump allies and mainstream media polling operations, even those traditionally seen as more favorable to conservative viewpoints.
Recent polling from multiple organizations has painted a nuanced picture of Trump's performance since returning to office. Fox News data shows Trump maintaining strong support on border security with a 55% approval rating, while facing challenges in other policy areas.
Immigration remains a relatively bright spot for the administration, with Trump securing a 47% positive rating on the issue. However, the president faces more significant headwinds on other key metrics, including foreign policy, taxes, and deportation policies.
These numbers align with broader polling trends observed across various media organizations. CNN's recent survey placed Trump's overall approval at 41%, marking a historic low for any newly elected president at the 100-day mark.
Stephen Miller stated during the broadcast:
I don't want to make things awkward for you, John, but it is our opinion that Fox News needs to fire its pollster. But, I won't surprise you with that. I don't think you're surprised that I'm saying that. But the Fox News pollster has always been wrong about President Trump. They were the ones who said all summer long that Kamala Harris was gonna be the 47th president of the United States. So, we don't acknowledge any of that polling.
This confrontational stance reflects an increasingly common approach among Trump allies who frequently challenge polling methodology and results that don't align with their preferred narrative. The strategy dates back to previous electoral cycles and continues to shape political discourse.
Multiple polling organizations have released data examining Trump's first 100 days in office during his current term. CBS News polling indicates a strong public belief that Trump is delivering on campaign promises, particularly regarding immigration policy.
However, these same surveys reveal more complex dynamics at play. The president's overall job approval remains at 45%, with particularly challenging numbers related to economic management and other domestic issues.
Stephen Miller's confrontational appearance on Fox News highlighted ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and mainstream polling organizations. The heated exchange with John Roberts showcased the administration's continued skepticism toward polling data that doesn't align with their preferred narrative. Trump's polling numbers present a mixed picture across various policy areas, with strong showings on immigration and border security contrasting with weaker performance ratings on economic issues.
A young Indonesian man's viral TikTok series documents his battle with a rare skin infection that developed after wearing second-hand clothing without washing them first.
According to the Daily Mail, TikToker @onenevertwhoo_one contracted molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection that manifests as clusters of small, raised bumps on the face and neck, after wearing pre-owned clothes directly from a thrift store.
The social media influencer has been sharing his journey with the disease since August 2024, showing followers the progression of symptoms through multiple videos. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of properly cleaning second-hand clothing before wear, as unwashed garments can harbor various pathogens from previous owners.
Dr. Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, emphasizes that second-hand clothes often contain numerous harmful organisms. She explains that these garments may carry bacteria, fungi, and viruses capable of causing various health issues ranging from minor skin irritations to more serious infections.
The expert advises that pre-owned fashion items should be thoroughly disinfected before wearing. This precautionary step helps eliminate potential pathogens that could lead to health complications.
Dr. Freestone provided specific guidance for cleaning second-hand clothing:
It's recommended that you wash newly purchased secondhand clothes with detergent at a temperature of around 60°C. This will not only clean any dirt from the clothes, but will also remove germs and inactivate pathogens. Cold water will not work as well to get rid of pathogens within clothing. So if a high-temperature wash isn't possible, then use a laundry disinfectant to kill any germs present.
The viral infection typically spreads through direct skin contact or contaminated objects. While it often resolves independently, the condition can persist anywhere from six months to two years, making prevention crucial.
Molluscum contagiosum affects approximately six million Americans annually, with children between ages one and fourteen comprising the majority of cases. The infection produces characteristic symptoms including raised, round, skin-colored bumps smaller than six millimeters in diameter.
Medical professionals recommend various treatment options, including topical medications such as potassium hydroxide, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tretinoin to accelerate recovery. These treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially reduce the duration of the infection.
Experts suggest keeping newly purchased second-hand clothes separate from regular laundry to prevent cross-contamination. This isolation practice helps contain any potential pathogens present in the pre-owned items.
A recommended cleaning method involves soaking second-hand clothing in hand-hot water with antibacterial laundry detergent for two to three hours. Following this initial soak, clothes should undergo a regular machine wash cycle.
The Indonesian TikToker's experience with molluscum contagiosum from unwashed thrift store clothing has sparked discussions about second-hand shopping safety. His viral videos document the progression of skin lesions, primarily affecting his face and neck areas, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of proper clothing hygiene.
Healthcare experts emphasize that while thrift shopping offers economic and environmental benefits, taking proper precautions with pre-owned clothing is essential for preventing the transmission of various infectious diseases. The incident underscores the need for awareness about potential health risks associated with wearing unwashed second-hand clothing and the importance of following recommended cleaning protocols.
In a stark shift from previous policies, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's Department of Justice prepares to implement measures allowing the arrest of journalists who publish leaked government information.
According to Alternet, the controversial move follows President Trump's Truth Social post demanding investigations into major news outlets like the New York Times, ABC News, and the Washington Post for alleged election fraud, prompted by his dissatisfaction with recent poll numbers.
The policy change represents a complete reversal of media protections established during the Biden administration. ABC News first revealed the DOJ's internal memo that eliminates restrictions on prosecutors seeking reporters' records in criminal investigations, marking a significant departure from previous safeguards for press freedom.
The timing of this policy shift coincides with mounting tensions between the administration and news media. Trump's Monday morning post specifically targeted major news organizations, accusing them of election fraud amid declining approval ratings.
Amherst College professor Austin Sarat, an expert in jurisprudence and political science, warns of the serious implications this policy change carries for press freedom. He emphasizes that while no American journalists are currently imprisoned for their work, the new policy creates a concerning framework for potential prosecution.
The DOJ's approach under Bondi stands in sharp contrast to former Attorney General Merrick Garland's stance on press freedom. Where Garland implemented protections for journalists, Bondi's policy actively seeks to restrict their ability to report on government activities.
Bondi's internal memo outlines an aggressive approach toward journalists who publish leaked information. The attorney general has positioned herself as the key decision-maker in approving journalist arrests and questioning.
According to Sarat's analysis, Bondi specifically criticizes media outlets for publishing material that she claims undermines Trump's policies and harms government agencies. The new policy gives the administration unprecedented power to target journalists who report on leaked information.
Professor Sarat reveals that the attorney general's memo specifically targets news media that publishes information deemed harmful to Trump's agenda:
While no journalists are presently in jail in this country for doing their jobs, prosecuting and punishing them is a regular part of the arsenal of repressive regimes around the world. And the atmosphere for the American press is by no means friendly. April alone saw a dramatic escalation of threats.
The policy change signals a fundamental shift in how the federal government approaches press freedom. Legal experts warn this could create a chilling effect on investigative journalism and whistleblower protection.
The DOJ's new stance effectively criminalizes standard journalistic practices of reporting on leaked government information. This represents an unprecedented expansion of executive power over the press.
Bondi's memo gives her direct authority over journalist arrests, as evidenced by this statement from Sarat:
Calling such activity Illegal and immoral, the attorney general said she would be personally responsible for approving 'efforts to question or arrest members of the news media.' There you have it. Journalists are put on notice that if they publish leaked material that 'undermine(s) President Trump's policies,' they may be arrested.
The Trump administration's Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi has rescinded Biden-era protections for journalists, creating a framework to potentially arrest reporters who publish leaked government information. This policy shift follows President Trump's social media post calling for investigations into major news outlets over their coverage and polling data, marking a significant escalation in the administration's approach to press relations. The new policy gives Bondi direct authority to approve journalist arrests, particularly targeting those who publish information deemed harmful to Trump's agenda.
A tranquil beekeeping operation in Bridgehampton, New York, masked a dark past as federal authorities unveiled charges against its 65-year-old operator.
According to Daily Caller, Faustin Nsabumukunzi faces a federal indictment for allegedly participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and subsequently lying on immigration documents to establish a new life in the United States.
The Department of Justice's Eastern District of New York claims Nsabumukunzi held a position of authority as "Sector Counselor" during the genocide that claimed an estimated 800,000 lives.
During his tenure between April and July 1994, members of the Hutu majority allegedly committed widespread atrocities against the Tutsi minority population. After these events, Nsabumukunzi reportedly entered the United States under false pretenses and established himself as a beekeeper.
U.S. Attorney John J. Durham emphasized the gravity of Nsabumukunzi's alleged deception. For over 20 years, the suspect maintained a peaceful existence in the United States while concealing his past. Durham's office spearheaded the investigation that finally brought these allegations to light.
Federal prosecutors assert that Nsabumukunzi repeatedly provided false information on immigration documents. These misrepresentations allegedly enabled him to obtain permanent residency status and pursue U.S. citizenship. The investigation revealed a stark contrast between his quiet life as a beekeeper and his alleged involvement in one of history's most brutal genocides.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack of ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York shared his perspective:
This defendant has been living in the United States for decades, hiding his alleged horrific conduct, human rights violations, and his role in these senseless atrocities against innocent Tutsis. The depraved conduct of which the defendant is accused represent the worst of humanity.
The case highlights the Department of Justice's ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute alleged war criminals who seek refuge in the United States.
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, expressed his department's dedication to this mission:
As alleged, the defendant participated in the commission of heinous acts of violence abroad and then lied his way into a green card and tried to obtain U.S. citizenship. No matter how much time has passed, the Department of Justice will find and prosecute individuals who committed atrocities in their home countries and covered them up to gain entry and seek citizenship in the United States.
The investigation demonstrates the persistent pursuit of justice even decades after the original crimes. Authorities emphasize that the passage of time does not diminish their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions during the genocide.
The case raises complex questions about the statute of limitations and the challenges of prosecuting decades-old war crimes. International law experts suggest this case could set important precedents for future prosecutions of suspected war criminals living under assumed identities in the United States.
Faustin Nsabumukunzi, a 65-year-old beekeeper from Bridgehampton, New York, stands accused of participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide while serving as a Sector Counselor. After allegedly concealing his past to obtain U.S. residency, he established a peaceful life that continued for over two decades.
Federal prosecutors have now charged him with immigration fraud and lying about his involvement in the systematic violence that claimed approximately 800,000 lives, primarily ethnic Tutsis.
A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Miami as authorities apprehended a second suspect connected to the Easter Sunday theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's personal belongings.
According to Fox News, law enforcement officials arrested an accomplice in Miami on Sunday, marking the second detention related to the theft of Noem's purse containing $3,000 in cash and her DHS access card from a Washington D.C. restaurant.
The Secret Service collaborated with the Miami Beach Police Department to locate and arrest the suspect, who is currently being held on an immigration detainer while charges are finalized. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the second suspect but confirmed their belief that the individual acted as a co-conspirator in multiple theft incidents alongside the primary defendant.
The first suspect, identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the United States, was arrested on Saturday. Authorities linked him to a series of similar thefts throughout April, where he allegedly targeted restaurant patrons by stealing purses from the backs of their chairs.
Law enforcement officials recovered video evidence showing the suspects' modus operandi, leading to Leiva's identification and subsequent arrest. He now faces two counts of robbery and additional charges related to the Secret Service investigation.
Retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro provided insight into the nature of the crime, suggesting that the perpetrators were motivated by the opportunity to steal luxury items rather than targeting Noem specifically. The Secret Service has officially confirmed that the theft was not related to Noem's position as DHS Secretary.
Noem shared her account of the incident with podcaster Vince Coglianese on the "VINCE Show," describing how the theft occurred while she dined with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C.
The DHS Secretary said:
It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse, he hooked it with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it. I felt it, but I thought it was my grandkids kicking me in the legs. But it was very professionally done, and it tells that this happens all the time to people and that they live in communities where this is a danger and it reaffirms why I am here.
The stolen items included Noem's driver's license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet. Security footage captured a white male wearing an N95 surgical mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap executing the theft.
Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros praised the cooperation between agencies that led to the second arrest. The Miami Beach Police Department's quick response to information from Washington resulted in targeted patrols that successfully located the suspect without incident.
Noem expressed gratitude through her spokesperson, acknowledging the efforts of the Secret Service, ICE, and other law enforcement partners in apprehending the suspects. She emphasized that the first arrested suspect had an extensive criminal history and had been in the country illegally for years.
The theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse during Easter Sunday lunch with her family has resulted in two arrests within a week. The incident, which occurred at The Capital Burger in Washington D.C., involved the theft of personal items, including $3,000 in cash and official DHS credentials.
While the first suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, faces multiple robbery charges, authorities are finalizing charges against the second suspect, who was apprehended in Miami. The Secret Service has confirmed that despite the high-profile nature of the victim, the theft was not targeted at Noem's position but rather part of a series of professional theft operations targeting restaurant patrons.