A startling report from CNN has shed light on the tumultuous tenure of Commander, the German Shepherd belonging to United States President Joe Biden’s family, revealing that the dog had bitten Secret Service agents on at least 24 occasions at the White House and other locations.
According to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, the incidents occurred between October 2022 and July 2023, prompting concerns about the safety of personnel tasked with protecting the President and his family. Secret Service agents reportedly suffered bites on various body parts, including the wrist, forearm, elbow, waist, chest, thigh, and shoulder.
The severity of the dog’s behavior prompted the Secret Service to adjust its operational tactics, with a senior agent advising officers to maintain distance from Commander. Despite these measures, biting incidents persisted, culminating in Commander’s removal from the White House in October 2023 following a particularly severe attack that required medical treatment for an agent.
Notable instances highlighted in the report include an agent sustaining a “deep bite” on the forearm in June 2023, resulting in the suspension of White House tours to address the aftermath of the incident. Another agent required six stitches after being bitten on the hand in July, with reports indicating a significant loss of blood.
Elizabeth Alexander, First Lady Jill Biden’s Communications Director, acknowledged the challenges faced in managing Commander’s behavior despite extensive efforts, including additional training, leashing, veterinary consultations, and behavioral interventions. Despite these measures, the White House environment proved incompatible with Commander’s presence, leading to his relocation to live with other family members.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the US Secret Service, emphasized that incidents involving Commander were treated as workplace injuries and underscored the agency’s commitment to minimizing adverse impacts from family pets.
The revelations regarding Commander’s behavior raise questions about pet management protocols within the White House and the challenges of ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel in high-security environments. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the biting incidents, the episode serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in integrating pets into the presidential residence while prioritizing the safety of those who serve within it.
Sources By Agencies
