Security breach raises questions about urban crime and official safety protocols…
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem became the victim of a theft Sunday night while dining at a Washington, D.C. restaurant, according to a CNN report citing a law enforcement source.
The thief reportedly made off with a bag containing $3,000 in cash, Noem’s passport, a Department of Homeland Security access badge and other sensitive items — including medication and apartment keys. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, described as a white male wearing a medical mask, as he exited the scene. The incident is currently under review by the Secret Service.
The theft raises serious security concerns — not just for the loss of personal and federal items, but for what it signals about the growing risk of crime in the nation’s capital. (RELATED: Law Enforcement Leader Reveals Trump’s Impact On Morale, Recruitment)
Crime Trends in D.C.
Sunday’s incident comes as D.C. continues to struggle with elevated crime rates:
-The FBI’s 2024 Uniform Crime Report shows property crimes in the District are up 12% over the national average.
-NeighborhoodScout ranks D.C.’s crime rate at 60 per 1,000 residents — among the highest in the country for cities of any size.
-Theft, specifically, remains one of the most common offenses reported in downtown neighborhoods and near hospitality zones.
Local officials have been criticized for soft-on-crime policies and a lack of visible policing in high-traffic areas. While city leaders claim reforms are in progress, critics argue the changes have come too slowly — or not at all.
Noem has not publicly commented on the theft as of this writing. A DHS spokesperson stated the agency is cooperating with local law enforcement and conducting a review of the incident.
Newsweek has additional information, including an explanation for why Noem had $3,000 in cash on hand.
DHS told Newsweek via email that Noem had the $3,000 in cash to “treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts.”
“We can confirm this occurred last night. Her entire family was in town including her children and grandchildren,” the statement from DHS read.
The suspect remains at large.
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