Kristi Noem’s Purse Stolen in DC: $3K, Passport, DHS Badge Taken​
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen while she and her family were dining at a Washington, D.C., restaurant.
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft earlier this month of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi’s Noem’s purse, which contained her passport, government badge, $3,000 in cash and more.
Noem confirmed the arrest in a thank you message on X to the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 27.
She said the suspect “is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” Ed Martin, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia also told NBC News the individual, arrested April 26, is in the U.S. illegally.
However, officials don’t believe the suspect targeted Noem in her role as a Cabinet secretary, according to multiple reports.
Noem’s belongings were taken while she was at a restaurant in Washington celebrating Easter with several members of her family in town.
Her medication, driver’s license, keys and blank checks were also in the purse, CNN reported.
Prior to her Cabinet nomination by President Donald Trump, Noem served six years as governor of South Dakota and as a Republican congresswoman before that.
As Homeland Security secretary, Noem receives Secret Service protection.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.