Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently fell victim to theft at a Washington, D.C., restaurant where a masked individual made off with her bag. The incident has ignited serious discussions about the vulnerability of high-profile government officials in public settings, even those responsible for the nation’s security apparatus. Why was Secretary Noem carrying such a large amount of cash?
Masked Thief Steals Secretary’s Bag with $3,000 Cash
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem became the victim of a brazen theft when a masked man stole her bag directly from her table at a Washington, D.C., restaurant. The stolen bag contained $3,000 in cash, her passport, makeup bag, DHS access card, an apartment key, and several other personal items, according to officials familiar with the incident.
A DHS official explained that Noem had withdrawn a substantial amount to treat her family, who were visiting Washington for Easter celebrations. “Her entire family was in town, including her children and grandchildren — she was using the cash withdrawal to treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts,” the official stated.
Secret Service are investigating after a thief took Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's bag that included $3,000 while she dined at a restauranthttps://t.co/xOpamsauyD
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) April 21, 2025
Secret Service Investigation Underway
The Secret Service has confirmed they are investigating the theft, though they have declined to provide additional details about the ongoing case. No suspect has been identified as of yet, raising questions about both the effectiveness of security measures for high-ranking officials and the current state of crime in the nation’s capital.
The incident occurred at a time when Washington, D.C., has seen fluctuating crime rates, with 2024 showing significant declines in violent crime following a 2023 surge in criminal activity. According to crime statistics, there have been notable decreases in homicides, robberies, carjackings, and assaults in the city this year compared to the previous period.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's bag — including $3000 in cash — was stolen, a DHS spokesperson confirms. https://t.co/JmBjEU8SR3
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 22, 2025
Trump Calls for Federal Intervention
This high-profile theft comes after President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed concerns about crime and public safety in Washington, D.C. Trump has previously suggested federal intervention might be necessary to address crime and homelessness issues in the nation’s capital.
“As the capital city of the greatest Nation in the history of the world, it should showcase beautiful, clean, and safe public spaces,” Trump stated regarding Washington’s current conditions. He further emphasized, “America’s capital must be a place in which residents, commuters, and tourists feel safe at all hours, including on public transit.”
The theft of a cabinet secretary’s personal belongings in a public setting highlights the ongoing security challenges facing both officials and everyday citizens in urban areas. Despite her role overseeing the Department of Homeland Security, Noem found herself a victim of the same type of crime that affects thousands of Americans annually, demonstrating that even those with security details remain vulnerable in certain situations.