In a startling incident that raises questions about security protocols for high-profile officials, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had her purse stolen while dining with her family at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. on Sunday night, April 20, 2025. The theft occurred at Capital Burger, a popular eatery located in downtown Washington, where Noem was celebrating the Easter holiday with her children and grandchildren.
Noem's handbag, which contained an astonishing $3,000 in cash, along with her driver's license, passport, and a DHS access badge, was taken from under her seat while she dined. According to reports from CBS News, the purse was snatched from near her feet, and members of her Secret Service detail reportedly did not witness the crime as it unfolded.
Surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement revealed that a man wearing an N-95 mask approached Noem's table. At approximately 7:55 p.m. ET, he sat close to her and, using his foot, slid her purse toward him before discreetly placing it under his jacket and leaving the restaurant. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting Noem and other high-ranking officials.
During a brief interaction with reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday morning, April 21, 2025, Noem confirmed the theft but stated, "I don’t think I can comment on it yet. It’s not resolved yet." She acknowledged that the matter was still under investigation and that she had not yet spoken with agency personnel about the details surrounding the incident.
According to a spokesperson from the DHS, Noem had the large amount of cash on hand to treat her family to dinner and Easter gifts. "Her entire family was in town including her children and grandchildren – she was using the withdrawal to treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts," the spokesperson explained to BBC's U.S. partner CBS News.
The theft raises concerns about security measures in place for Noem, particularly since at least two plainclothes members of the U.S. Secret Service were present at the restaurant during the incident. These agents were reportedly seated at the bar, positioned between Noem's table and the restaurant's entrance. Despite their presence, the theft occurred without immediate intervention.
It remains unclear whether the suspect, described as an unknown white male, specifically targeted Noem due to her high-profile position as a Cabinet secretary. Investigators are examining whether the thief was aware that he was stealing from a member of the Trump administration.
As of now, the investigation continues, with the Secret Service reviewing the surveillance footage and working to identify the suspect. The corporate office for Darden Restaurants, which owns Capital Burger, has not commented on the incident. A restaurant manager stated that the footage is controlled by the corporate office and directed media inquiries there.
Noem, who previously served as the governor of South Dakota and has been a vocal advocate of President Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies, has drawn both praise and criticism during her tenure. Recently, she faced backlash for her controversial visit to El Salvador, where she filmed a video in front of a prison holding undocumented immigrants, warning that they could end up in similar conditions.
In light of this recent theft, the incident not only highlights potential security lapses but also raises broader questions about the safety of public officials in an increasingly volatile political climate. The Secret Service is expected to conduct a thorough review of its protocols to ensure the safety of its protectees.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering how such a brazen theft could occur right under the noses of security personnel tasked with protecting one of the nation's top officials. With Noem's purse containing sensitive personal information and a significant amount of cash, the stakes are high for both the Secretary and the Secret Service as they navigate the aftermath of this alarming incident.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that even high-ranking officials face in public settings and the importance of vigilance in ensuring their safety.
