Kristi Noem Shares Purse Theft Ordeal: Thief's Clever Foot Trick 'Done Very Professionally'

( The Hill ) – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem in a recent interview recounted her purse being stolen at a Washington, D.C. restaurant, saying the thief “hooked” it while it was on the floor.

“It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet,” Noem told podcast host Vince Coglianese on a Wednesday episode of his “Vince” podcast.

“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,” the DHS secretary said.

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An official previously confirmed to The Hill’s sister network NewsNation that Noem’s purse, which had $3,000 of cash in it along with her department access badge, was stolen Sunday at a restaurant in the nation’s capital.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that Noem had been eating dinner when a thief stole her purse that also had her passport, driver’s license, blank checks and keys.

McLaughlin also told NewsNation that Noem had been celebrating Easter at the time of the incident.

"She possessed the funds since her entire family was visiting (with children and grandchildren included), and she decided to treat them with various activities, dinner, and Easter presents," McLaughlin explained.

Noem also mentioned during the podcast that the purloined bag had not been restored.

I experienced it, but I assumed it was my grandchildren nudging my legs," Noem stated regarding the event, later remarking that "it was executed quite professionally.

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