Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, containing $3,000 in cash and her DHS access badge, was stolen Sunday night at a restaurant in downtown Washington, 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.
McLaughlin explained to Bradley that Noem was celebrating Easter with her family, so she had those items with her.
“She had the cash because her whole family was in town (including children and grandchildren) and was treating them to activities, dinner and Easter gifts,” McLaughlin said.
CNN, which first reported on the incident, noted the thief also stole Noem’s medication and makeup bag.