Noem's purse containing DHS access badge, $3K in cash stolen at DC restaurant

Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem’s purse, containing $3,000 in cash and her DHS access badge, was stolen Sunday night at a restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C., an official confirmed to NewsNation.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told NewsNation’s Ali Bradley that Noem was eating dinner when a thief stole the purse, which also contained Noem’s passport, her driver’s license, blank checks and her keys.

CNN, which first reported on the incident, noted the thief also stole Noem’s medication and makeup bag.

McLaughlin explained to Bradley that Noem was celebrating Easter with her family, so she had those items with her.

“She had the case because her whole family was in town (including children and grandchildren) and was treating them to activities, dinner and Easter gifts,” McLaughlin said.

A law enforcement official told CNN that the Secret Service reviewed security footage from the restaurant and saw “an unknown white male wearing a medical mask steal her bag and leave the restaurant.”

The Hill has reached out to the Secret Service for comment.