DHS Chief Kristi Noem Details 'Professionally Done' Purse Snatching at D.C. Restaurant

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opened up this week about a pretty shocking experience: her purse was swiped right out from under her feet while she was dining at a Washington, D.C. restaurant. According to Noem, the thief—a White man wearing a mask—executed the theft with such smooth moves, she called it "professionally done."

Noem revealed on the "VINCE Show" podcast that her bag was full of essentials: $3,000 in cash, her passport, keys, driver’s license, and a DHS badge. The fact that someone managed to snag all that while she was surrounded by her family—including four grandkids under four—adds a wild twist to the story.

Describing the moment, Noem said, "It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse, he hooked it with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it." She admitted that she initially thought it was just her grandkids kicking her legs, not an expert thief at work.

Noem reflected, "It tells that this happens all the time to people and that they live in communities where this is a danger and it reaffirms why I am here." She stressed her mission to make communities safer, adding that families shouldn't have to worry about violence or theft in their daily lives.

A Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed Noem had withdrawn the cash to spend on her family in D.C.: dinners, activities, and Easter gifts were all on the agenda. But instead of happy memories, she ended up with a story that’s a cautionary tale for anyone trying to juggle kids, dinner, and a purse all at once.

Noem said she wasn’t sure why she was targeted, but the investigation is ongoing. She also emphasized that busy parents—or in her case, busy grandmas—are more vulnerable than they might think, even when their bag is literally touching their feet.

The incident wasn’t isolated: just days before, another woman had her purse stolen just blocks away from where Noem’s bag went missing. Clearly, D.C.’s purse-snatching scene is getting way too lively.

Noem wrapped up her comments by calling for more awareness and real consequences for people who make a living off harming others. Here’s hoping she gets her stuff back—and maybe a purse with a GPS tracker next time.