In a series of concerning incidents, President Joe Biden’s two-year-old German shepherd, Commander, has reportedly bitten Secret Service personnel on at least 24 occasions, as per documents acquired by CNN through a Freedom of Information Act request. These incidents have prompted adjustments in operational tactics by the Secret Service to mitigate further injuries.
According to the obtained records, the Commander has been involved in altercations with both uniformed Secret Service personnel and members of Biden’s protective detail. The attacks have occurred not only at the White House but also at Biden’s residences in Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, Delaware, and even during holiday stays in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Camp David.
The incidents detailed in the documents do not encompass previously reported cases involving the Commander. A report by conservative watchdog Judicial Watch from last July outlined at least 10 additional instances, including one that resulted in a uniformed officer requiring hospital treatment.
Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service communications chief, emphasized that personnel have been adapting to operating in an environment that includes family pets across various presidential administrations. He confirmed that the incidents involving the Commander were treated as workplace injuries.
A source close to the Biden family conveyed to CNN that the Bidens are deeply saddened and remorseful about the incidents involving Commander.
Commander became part of the Biden family in December 2021, gifted by Joe Biden’s brother James, following the passing of their previous German shepherd, Champ. However, since arriving at the White House, Commander has exhibited aggressive behavior, as noted in reports obtained by Judicial Watch. Some of these incidents occurred while the Commander was off-leash, leading First Lady Jill Biden to express difficulty in regaining control of the dog.
the
A particularly notable incident took place in September, where the Commander was photographed biting a White House groundskeeper. In October, a spokesperson for Jill Biden announced that the Commander was no longer residing at the White House, indicating that the family would decide on an alternative arrangement for their pet.
In March 2021, another of the Bidens’ German shepherds, Major, was sent to their Delaware home after displaying aggressive behavior toward White House staff. Major had been adopted from a shelter in 2018.
Biden’s German Shepherd, Commander, Involved in 24 Biting Incidents with Secret Service Personnel
Attacks involving Commander have occurred at various locations, including the White House and Biden's residences in Delaware and Massachusetts.
