On the evening of Sunday, April 20, 2025, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem became the victim of a theft while dining at The Capital Burger, a popular restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C.

The incident, which involved the theft of her purse containing approximately $3,000 in cash and sensitive personal and government items, has raised questions about security protocols for high-profile officials and sparked public discourse on social media platforms.

According to reports, Noem was dining with her family when an unknown white male, wearing a medical mask, stole her purse.

The Secret Service, responsible for Noem’s security, reviewed security camera footage that captured the suspect taking the bag and leaving the restaurant.

The purse contained a significant amount of cash—approximately $3,000—as well as Noem’s driver’s license, passport, DHS access badge, apartment keys, medication, makeup bag, and blank checks.

A DHS spokesperson explained that Noem had withdrawn the cash to treat her family, including her children and grandchildren, to dinner, Easter activities, and gifts, as they were in town for the holiday weekend.

Noem reportedly felt what she thought was her grandchild brushing against her leg during the meal, only to realize moments later that her purse was missing.

The theft occurred despite the presence of Noem’s Secret Service detail, prompting criticism regarding the attentiveness of her security team.

The Secret Service has since launched an investigation to trace any use of Noem’s financial instruments and to identify the suspect, but no arrests have been reported as of April 21, 2025.

The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly due to Noem’s role as DHS Secretary, a position critical to national security. Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with reactions ranging from concern to criticism.

Some users questioned how the head of Homeland Security could fall victim to such a theft, with one post stating, “How can she keep the homeland secure when she can’t even keep her purse secure??”

Others criticized the Secret Service, asking, “Was the purse with or near her in said restaurant? If so the secret service were [not] very attentive, were they?”

Another user remarked, “These are the people in charge of keeping us safe? She has security, and they couldn’t keep both her and her bag safe?”

Public discourse has also focused on the large amount of cash Noem was carrying.

A Reddit thread on r/politics highlighted concerns about civil forfeiture laws, with one commenter noting, “If I got stopped on the highway with $3000 cash, the police would take it as illegal drug money and I would have no recourse to get it back.”

On X, Tim Miller of The Bulwark Podcast questioned, “Why does the DHS Secretary have 3 grand in cash on her person?” These reactions underscore broader societal concerns about cash transactions and security for public officials.

The theft of Noem’s DHS access badge is particularly concerning, as it could potentially compromise security at DHS facilities.

The loss of her passport, blank checks, and other personal items further complicates the incident, as these could be exploited if not recovered.

The Secret Service’s investigation is focused on mitigating these risks, including monitoring Noem’s financial accounts for unusual activity.

The incident also raises questions about the security measures in place for Cabinet-level officials.

Noem, as DHS Secretary, is provided with a 24/7 Secret Service detail due to her critical role in overseeing agencies like Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The fact that the theft occurred in the presence of her security team has led to scrutiny of their protocols and situational awareness.

Additionally, the theft highlights ongoing concerns about crime in Washington, D.C. While violent crime in the capital reached a 30-year low in 2024, theft remains a significant issue.

Some observers have speculated that the incident could be politicized, with one X user suggesting that the White House might issue a statement framing D.C. as unsafe.

Kristi Noem, who served as the governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025, was appointed DHS Secretary by President Donald Trump following his election in November 2024.

She has been a prominent figure in the Trump administration, particularly known for her hardline stance on immigration and her efforts to address issues like antisemitism on college campuses.

However, her tenure has not been without controversy; in March 2025, the Associated Press reported that Noem’s travel receipts as governor included over $150,000 in expenses unrelated to state business, such as personal and political trips.

Noem confirmed the theft during a brief interaction at the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 21, 2025, noting that the matter remains unresolved. Neither Noem nor DHS has issued an official public statement beyond the spokesperson’s comments to news outlets.