Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was the victim of a theft Sunday night while dining at a downtown Washington, D.C., restaurant, according to multiple law enforcement sources. The stolen bag reportedly contained approximately $3,000 in cash, government credentials, personal identification, and other valuables, prompting a Secret Service investigation into the breach.
The Secret Service reviewed security footage showing a white male suspect, wearing a medical mask, entering the restaurant and stealing Noem's bag before exiting the premises, CNN first reported. The man remains unidentified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Noem acknowledged the theft publicly Monday morning during the White House Easter Egg Roll, stating, It is "not resolved yet." Speaking with NBC News, she said the Secret Service is aware of the incident but that she had not yet personally discussed it with agency officials.
According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, Noem had withdrawn the $3,000 in cash to treat her family-who were in town for Easter, including her children and grandchildren-to dinner, activities, and gifts. The bag also contained Noem's passport, driver's license, apartment keys, medication, makeup, and blank checks.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that the agency is gathering more information and has launched an investigation to determine if any financial instruments stolen from the bag have been used.
The Department of Homeland Security chief, often nicknamed "ICE Barbie" for her prominent law enforcement profile, is among the few cabinet-level officials with Secret Service protection. Despite this, the incident has raised questions about the security measures surrounding senior federal officials, especially in public settings.
