WASHINGTON (DT) — Secret Service agents were bitten by the first family’s dog in at least 24 incidents at the White House and elsewhere before the dog was taken from the family residence, according to internal documents posted online.
Problems with President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, had already become public and ultimately led to the dog’s removal from the White House. But the documents show the Secret Service had to adjust its tactics to protect the president and his family after multiple biting incidents that caused injuries requiring medical treatment and spilled blood on the White House floor.
The documents, posted online by researcher John Greenwald on his website The Black Vaultincluded 24 incidents at the White House, Camp David and the Biden home in Delaware between October 2022 and July 2023.
Secret Service agents shared tips for avoiding getting hurt in emails included in the documents, which also showed the agency had to change its operational tactics when it came to ensuring the safety of the first family while the officers were also at risk of being bitten. Commander.
“Recent dog bites have challenged us to adjust our operational tactics when the commander is present – please allow plenty of space (staying away from field elements if possible). We will continue to keep (redacted) in plain sight, but we must get creative to ensure our own personal safety,” an assistant special agent in charge wrote in an email included in the documents. “Senior retail and agency leadership continues to address the issue at senior levels with staff and First Family – working to find a better solution soon.”
Incidents included in the documents do not include all known issues with Commander’s time at the White House, which were also discussed during press briefings. Documents show the family was aware of numerous issues and was working with Secret Security to resolve the issue.
But the White House said in a statement that additional training measures and other specialists were not able to help.
“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 been living with other family members,” Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for first lady Jill Biden, said in a statement to CNN.
The emails also showed concerns among officers that past incidents involving Commander had fueled fears that something more serious could happen.
An agent was bitten on the forearm while holding the door open for the president between the West Wing and the family residence on October 2, 2022. One report says the commander grabbed the agent’s left arm and stood on its hind legs while rampaging.
“POTUS entered shortly after as he was lagging behind him. POTUS entered the Palm Room and said (redacted),” the report states, adding that they were “concerned about him leaving the residence or going off-leash for the safety of others and the mine.”
A few days later, a technician wrote that after reporting an incident where the commander jumped on them and got his arm “clogged,” they told a supervisor that they “feared something worse could happen.” happens to others.”
In November 2022, a police officer suffered a serious injury to his arm and quadriceps that required a trip to hospital for treatment. Other notable incidents included in the report include an officer losing a “significant amount of blood” and East Wing tours having to be halted for 20 minutes because blood spilled on the floor after a agent was bitten.
In May 2023, a technician wrote, “looks like we’re back to the K9 being left off-leash to roam the terrain freely.” One email said the dog was released during a security check and “bounced between us techs.” According to the documents, a special agent said White House staff were informed that the commander “should not leave alone” that month.
“Even if no one was bitten, it’s only a matter of time before that happens,” the technician said.
Later that month, a Secret Service agent gave his colleagues advice on how to avoid being bitten after an incident at Camp David.
“Standing up and yelling his name and ‘stop’ is your best bet to not get bit,” the officer said.
The incidents, injuries and close calls piled up enough that a special agent in charge sent an email to presidential details asking them to report if they had been bitten.
The commander was finally sent to live with other family members in the fall of 2023. He was the second Biden family dog to have to be removed from the White House. Major, another German Shepherd, has also bitten Secret Service and White House personnel.
