Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, experienced a brazen theft when her purse was stolen while dining at Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., despite the presence of her security detail. The purse contained vital items such as her driver’s license, department badge, passport, and $3,000 in cash, raising questions about security protocols. The incident has become a topic of intrigue and humor among locals and conference attendees in Washington, as it highlights vulnerabilities and peculiar circumstances surrounding a high-profile official. The thief managed the heist by discreetly hooking the bag with a foot from an adjacent table, evading detection by the security team maintaining a respectful distance. The Secret Service is investigating the event, considering whether Noem was targeted due to her position, while the public remains amused and puzzled by the situation.

Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, had her purse stolen at Capital Burger, containing important documents and $3,000 in cash, despite her security detail being present.

The thief managed to steal the bag by discreetly maneuvering it with a foot from a nearby table, exploiting the security detail's decision to keep a distance to allow Noem privacy with her family.

The incident has become a point of interest and amusement in Washington, with diners at the restaurant, including international conference attendees, expressing surprise and curiosity about the event.

The Secret Service leads the investigation, considering if Noem was targeted due to her high-profile role, while the situation underscores potential lapses in security measures.

Questions arose regarding why Noem carried so much cash, with her spokeswoman citing her South Dakota rancher background and the cash being intended for family vacation expenses in Washington.

Noem's tenure has been marked by controversial and attention-grabbing actions, such as writing about shooting her dog and wearing a $50,000 watch, adding to the public's fascination with this theft.

The restaurant staff was instructed not to discuss the incident with the media, but customers readily shared their reactions, oscillating between amusement and disbelief at the security oversight.