Kristi Noem's Purse Stolen During D.C. Dinner

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's handbag, containing $3,000 in cash, identification, and sensitive items, was stolen while she dined with her family at a Washington, D.C. restaurant. Surveillance footage shows a masked man using his foot to slide the bag away before concealing it and leaving, with Noem's Secret Service detail present but not intervening. The theft occurred just days after a similar purse-snatching nearby, prompting speculation that the incidents may be connected. The substantial amount of cash in Noem's bag has raised public scrutiny, with her spokesperson explaining it was intended for family holiday expenses, though some critics and commentators have suggested alternative motives. The Secret Service has distributed a photo of the suspect to law enforcement agencies but has not released it to the public, as investigators work to determine if Noem was specifically targeted. The incident has also reignited attention on prior controversies involving Noem, including rumors of an affair with a political aide.