TikTok has become obsessed with an alleged shoplifter who spent seven straight hours in a Target before being detained by security on her way out. Now, people are making pilgrimages to the Target store in Illinois.
The woman, a tourist visiting the U.S., allegedly stole approximately $1,300 worth of merchandise from Target on May 1. After body camera footage of her detainment was uploaded to the Body Cam Edition YouTube channel last week, it quickly went viral, thanks in part to her now-infamous defense: “But if I’m paying for it, what is the harm?”
The 20-minute video has since been clipped and shared widely across social media, with segments racking up millions of views. “How is it even logistically possible for someone to spend seven consecutive hours in one store?” one YouTube commenter asked. “Do you just walk around in circles?”
Some have dubbed her an “icon,” with videos ranking the “best moments” from the footage. Others within driving distance of the Target have taken it upon themselves to visit the location, the Daily Dot reported.
“Target lady Target tour,” one TikTok user posted, adding they have nothing better to do.
“A true historical landmark,” another wrote, showing footage of the actual door behind which the woman was detained.
Following the viral story, the U.S. embassy in India issued a statement about the Target shoplifter, the Independent reported. “Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues—it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas,” it stated. “The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all U.S. laws.”
