Commander, Biden’s German Shepherd, Strikes Again: 11th Bite Incident Leaves Secret Service Agent Injured

In yet another unfortunate incident, Commander, the Biden family’s two-year-old German Shepherd, has bitten a Secret Service agent. The incident occurred on Monday night, marking the 11th time the dog has bitten a guard at either the White House or the Biden family residence.

The Secret Service promptly issued a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the officer was treated at the scene. This latest encounter with Commander continues to raise concerns about the dog’s behavior and the safety of those around him.

White House Press Secretary Blamed Stress in July

The White House press secretary had previously attributed Commander’s biting incidents to the unique and stressful environment of living at the White House. In July, she stated, “As you all know, the White House complex can be unique and very stressful. That is something I’m sure you can all understand. It is unique and it is stressful for all of us. So you can imagine what it’s like for a family pet or family pets, more broadly.”

Commander’s previous biting incidents occurred at the Biden family’s home in Delaware. However, this latest incident unfolded at the White House, further emphasizing the need to address the dog’s behavior.

Secret Service Officer Injured but Recovering

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the incident, saying, “Yesterday around 8 pm, a Secret Service Uniformed Division police officer came in contact with a First Family pet and was bitten.” He later reassured the public that the injured officer is doing okay after speaking with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Tuesday.

Efforts to Control Commander’s Behavior

In July, White House officials revealed that they were implementing new leashing and training techniques to address Commander’s tendency to bite. Secret Service records obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request in July had exposed details of the previous 10 biting incidents involving Commander.

One such incident occurred on October 26, 2022, when First Lady Jill Biden was unable to control Commander, leading the dog to charge at an agent. The agent expressed concerns, writing, “I believe it’s only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit.”

Just a week later, another agent reported being bitten twice, necessitating the use of a steel cart as a shield against the dog’s aggression.

On December 11, 2022, an agent was attacked in front of President Biden himself, suffering bites on the forearm and thumb. While none of the injuries described in the 194 pages of emails were deemed serious, they collectively raised alarms about the safety of the agents and those interacting with Commander.

Major, another Biden dog, was also involved in multiple biting incidents with Secret Service agents. Subsequently, Major was relocated out of the White House to live with Biden family friends.

Commander’s presence at the White House began in 2021 when he arrived as a puppy, gifted by Mr. Biden’s brother, James. Alongside Commander, the Biden family also includes a cat named Willow.

As Commander’s biting incidents continue to mount, there’s an evident need for thorough evaluation and corrective measures to ensure the safety of those working within the White House and the First Family.