Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was a victim of theft while dining at a restaurant in downtown Washington, DC, on Sunday evening.
In response to inquiries about the incident during the White House Easter Egg Roll, Noem confirmed the occurrence but noted that it remains unresolved.
The Secret Service, responsible for Noem’s protection, reviewed security footage from the restaurant and identified an unidentified white male wearing a surgical mask who took her luggage and left, as reported by a law enforcement source to CNN.
The thief stole Noem’s driver’s license, prescription medications, apartment keys, passport, DHS access badge, a cosmetics bag, blank checks, and approximately $3,000 in cash. The source indicated that the Secret Service has initiated an investigation to monitor any use of Noem’s financial items.
Last week, Noem revealed that some individuals allegedly involved in leaking information regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have been apprehended.
“We have identified two individuals within the Department of Homeland Security who have been disclosing information about our operations, endangering the lives of law enforcement personnel,” she stated in a post on X on Friday. “We intend to prosecute these individuals and hold them accountable for their actions.”
“We will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of America,” she added.
Noem did not disclose the names of those apprehended.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, informed Fox News that the two individuals will face charges. “We are preparing to refer these offenders to the DOJ for felony prosecutions,” the spokesperson stated. “These individuals could face up to 10 years in federal prison. We are committed to identifying and eliminating all leakers. They will face imprisonment, and we will seek justice for the American people.”
Earlier this month, Noem announced that her department had identified certain leakers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
