WASHINGTON, D.C. – A security breach involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is raising alarm among law enforcement officials, after a thief stole her handbag during a family dinner at a downtown Washington restaurant Sunday night.
The incident took place at Capital Burger, where Noem was dining with her children and grandchildren. According to law enforcement sources, an unidentified white male wearing a medical mask was caught on security cameras stealing the secretary’s bag and leaving the restaurant undetected.
The stolen items included highly sensitive materials: Noem’s driver’s license, passport, DHS access badge, blank cheques, apartment keys, medication, makeup bag, and approximately $3,000 in cash. The bag also contained her personal and financial documents, posing potential security and identity threats.
The Secret Service, which is responsible for Noem’s protection, immediately reviewed surveillance footage and launched an investigation. Agents are currently monitoring any possible use of her financial instruments and credentials.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed that Noem had made the cash withdrawal to treat her family during their visit to the capital for the Easter holiday, including purchasing dinner and gifts.
Law enforcement experts say the theft raises serious questions about Secret Service protocols and the broader security framework protecting cabinet officials in public spaces.
“This is not a minor lapse—it’s a major security failure with potentially high-stakes consequences,” said Jonathan Wackrow, a former Secret Service agent and CNN law enforcement analyst. “The proximity of the thief and the type of materials stolen demand immediate review and potential operational changes.”
Wackrow emphasized that Noem’s high-profile status and the nature of her role place her at increased risk for both domestic and foreign threats, making the security breach particularly troubling.
The Secret Service has not commented on potential disciplinary or procedural changes but confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
As of Monday, none of the stolen items had been recovered.
