Washington: The US Secret Service announced Sunday that investigators have arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's handbag at an upscale Washington hamburger restaurant last weekend.

According to Anadolu Agency, Secret Service Special Agent Matt McCool described the suspect as a "serial offender" who did not appear to target Kristi Noem specifically. The suspect attempted to use her credit card and access her electronic devices, as reported by The New York Times.

The incident took place on Easter Sunday, April 20, while Noem was dining with her family. The purse, reportedly taken from beneath her chair, contained identification documents, her badge, passport, approximately $3,000 in cash, and other personal items.

The thief used his foot to drag the bag away, concealed it with a coat, and exited the restaurant. At the time, Noem's Secret Service detail was reportedly more than 20 feet away, allowing her privacy, according to a spokesperson for the Homeland Security secretary.

In a social media post, Noem referred to the suspect as a 'career criminal' and an illegal immigrant. Although the Secret Service did not confirm this, a US attorney stated that the suspect had entered the country unlawfully, and additional suspects are being sought.

McCool mentioned that five agencies were involved in the investigation, including the Metropolitan Police Department and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The incident comes amid renewed scrutiny of the Secret Service, which has faced criticism following two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump last year.