President Joe Biden’s family dog allegedly bit Secret Service members in at least 24 incidents, according to new records.
The German shepherd, named Commander, appeared to have become a serious workplace problem for White House staff in the months before he was fired, according to internal documents.
According to records, Secret Service personnel changed their habits to avoid being harmed by the dog.
“Recent dog bites have challenged us to adjust our operational tactics when the commander is present – please allow plenty of space,” wrote an anonymous assistant special agent in charge of the division Presidential Protection Unit of the United States Secret Service (USSS).
Joe Biden’s dog was kicked out of the White House in October last year after a series of biting incidents.
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In June 2023, an email warned officers that they “need to get creative to ensure our own personal safety.”
Incidents reportedly took place inside and outside the White House residence, but also at the Biden family homes in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Camp David and Nantucket, Massachusetts.
A source said the Biden family felt “horrible” and “heartbroken” by the wave of attacks.
“They were heartbroken. They apologized to those who were bitten and brought flowers to some,” the source told CNN.
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“They feel terrible. The commander was overprotective, and even though they tried and tried to work on it, they had to let him go live with other members of their family.”
Commander was introduced to the family as a puppy in December 2021.
However, the incidents began in October 2022 and lasted for an entire year before he was fired in October last year.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the USSS, called on his media team to begin “developing potential public responses” to questions about the incidents starting in July 2023.
According to records, Secret Service personnel changed their habits to avoid being harmed by the dog.
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One of the most serious incidents occurred on July 29, 2023, where the commander caused “a serious open and deep wound” after biting a special agent of the counter-surveillance unit of the division of presidential protection.
Another documented incident also involved President Biden on October 2, 2022, when an officer was bitten on the forearm.
Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for First Lady Jill Biden, said: “The President and First Lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day.
“Despite additional dog training, leashing, working with veterinarians, and consulting with animal behaviorists, the White House environment simply proved too difficult for Commander. Since the fall, he has lived with other family members.”
