Kristi Noem's Purse Stolen in Washington, D.C. — Personal and Government Items Missing
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem had her purse stolen while dining at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. on Sunday night, April 20, 2025. The theft reportedly happened while she was attending a dinner with other officials.
Sources close to the situation confirmed the incident and said local law enforcement and federal authorities are now involved in the investigation.
What Was Inside the Stolen Purse?
The stolen purse contained several sensitive and valuable items. According to officials familiar with the matter, these included:
-
Kristi Noem's driver's license
-
Passport
-
Apartment keys
-
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) access badge
-
Blank checks
-
Around $3,000 in cash
This has raised serious concerns about both personal and national security, as some of the stolen items are related to her government duties.
Noem Acknowledges the Theft
Secretary Noem briefly addressed the incident on Monday, April 21, during the White House Easter Egg Roll. She confirmed that her purse had been stolen and noted that the situation was still being investigated.
She did not share further details but said that the proper authorities are handling the matter.
Security Concerns After Theft
As Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem oversees several key agencies that manage immigration, border control, and cybersecurity. The fact that her DHS access badge was among the stolen items has triggered alarm among security experts and lawmakers.
While the badge has likely been deactivated as a precaution, the incident raises questions about how such materials are secured when top officials are in public settings.
Who Is Kristi Noem?
Kristi Noem previously served as the Governor of South Dakota. She was confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in January 2025 under the Trump administration.
Since taking office, Noem has been involved in immigration policy, cybersecurity strategy, and managing the response to various national threats.
Investigation Ongoing
As of now, no suspects have been identified publicly. The Washington, D.C. police and federal law enforcement agencies are working together on the case. Surveillance footage from the restaurant and nearby areas is being reviewed to track down whoever stole the purse.
Authorities have not said whether any of the stolen items have been recovered.