Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was the victim of a theft Sunday evening while dining at a restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C., in an incident that has raised serious concerns about security protocols surrounding top federal officials.
According to surveillance footage reviewed by authorities, an unidentified white man wearing a medical mask approached Noem’s table, snatched her handbag, and quickly exited the premises. The theft occurred in full view of Secret Service agents assigned to her protection detail, though they did not immediately intervene.
The stolen bag contained a trove of personal and official items, including Noem’s driver’s license, apartment keys, prescription medication, U.S. passport, a DHS access badge, a makeup pouch, several blank checks, approximately $3,000 in cash, and other miscellaneous belongings.
Noem publicly confirmed the incident Monday during the White House Easter Egg Roll, describing it as “serious” and stating that federal authorities are “thoroughly investigating every aspect of the case.”
The Secret Service has launched a formal investigation to identify the suspect and determine whether any of the financial instruments have been fraudulently used. It remains unclear whether Noem, the former South Dakota governor, was seated at the table at the exact moment of the theft. Investigators are reviewing security footage to reconstruct the timeline.
The episode has prompted sharp criticism and concern, given Noem’s role as head of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security, immigration enforcement, and counterterrorism coordination.
That such a theft could occur in one of the most heavily surveilled cities in the United States — and in the presence of armed federal agents — has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and security experts alike. The incident is now the focus of heightened media and institutional attention.
