Which restaurant was Kristi Noem in? Homeland Security Secretary's purse with $3000 cash stolen at Washington DC restaurant

The Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, had her purse stolen while dining at a Washington, DC restaurant on Sunday, April 20. The purse contained $3000 in cash, along with Noem's apartment keys, passport, driver's license, medication, makeup bag, and DHS access bag.

Kristi Noem confirmed that her purse was stolen during the White House's Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 21. She added that the thief had yet to be arrested. The Homeland Security Secretary was dining at the Capital Burger restaurant in Washington, DC's Mount Vernon Square area. The theft took place on Sunday night.

According to the BBC, on April 22, 2025, the Secret Service, in charge of Noem's security, reviewed the CCTV footage from the Capital Burger restaurant that day. Law enforcement officials confirmed that they spotted a white male with a surgical mask steal Noem's bag and escape the restaurant.

A former Secret Service agent and CNN analyst, John Wackrow, commented on the incident and raised concerns about the safety of government officials.

"This is a security breach that actually has high consequences, and it needs immediate and further review by the Secret Service and DHS, and other law enforcement partners. If necessary, the Secret Service will need to make operational changes on how they deal with these types of private events moving forward," he said.

The Secret Service has launched an investigation to find the accused and trace any use of Kristi Noem's financial documents, the official confirmed to the BBC.

The officials further emphasized the risk Noem is currently facing, stating that she is:

"At higher risk for targeted threats, both by foreign and domestic actors, and just her public profile alone makes her a symbolic target."

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Kristi Noem was at Capital Burger to dine with her family when her purse was stolen

Noem - Source: Getty

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in town for having dinner with her family for Easter when her purse was stolen. McLaughlin stated:

"Her entire family was in town including her children and grandchildren — she was using the withdrawal to treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts."

During the White House Easter Egg Roll, Kristi Noem addressed the matter, saying she cannot comment on it until it is resolved.

"I don't think I can comment on it yet. It's not resolved yet," she said.

As per CNN, the theft took place around 7:55 pm ET. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the CCTV footage shows a man walking up the stairs of the Capital Burger restaurant to the floor where Noem was dining with her family.

He was spotted sitting near Kristi Noem's table. The camera footage showed the man moving his chair closer to the Secretary and sliding her purse towards himself using his foot. Within the next few minutes, he picked up the purse, concealed it under his jacket, and walked out of the restaurant.

Law enforcement officials are investigating whether this was an alleged targeted attack on Kristi Noem due to her connections with the government. They have yet to confirm whether the suspect knew the purse belonged to a Cabinet secretary. Authorities have raised concerns because Noem's bag included her DHS ID card, which grants her secure access to various government agency buildings.

At least two on-duty plainclothes Secret Service officials were present at the restaurant when the incident occurred, according to CNN. A restaurant manager from Capital Burger on duty told NBC News that their security footage is controlled by Darden Restaurants.

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Kristi Noem is a key member of US President Donald Trump's Cabinet. She was formerly the Governor of South Dakota and a member of the US House of Representatives.