President Joe Biden’s pet German shepherd, Commander, has been at the center of controversy following reports of multiple biting incidents during his tenure at the White House. Newly released records from the United States Secret Service have shed light on the extent of Commander’s aggressive behavior, revealing a higher number of biting incidents than previously disclosed.
According to records obtained by USA TODAY through a Freedom of Information Act request, Commander was involved in at least 25 biting incidents in less than a year. These incidents occurred between October 2022 and October 2023, with the most severe ones prompting Commander’s removal from the White House.
The records detail a series of biting incidents, ranging from bites to agents’ arms, hands, thighs, back, wrists, elbows, waist, and chest. The severity and frequency of these incidents raise concerns about Commander’s behavior and the safety of those around him.
The Secret Service released 269 pages of documents in response to the FOIA request, including email exchanges that discussed anecdotes of biting incidents involving Commander. While the agency initially disclosed 23 incidents from October 2022 to July 2023, two additional incidents in September and October prompted Commander’s eventual removal from the White House.
The revelation of these biting incidents has sparked discussions about the training and management of presidential pets within the White House. Despite efforts to address Commander’s behavior, including training sessions and behavioral interventions, the dog’s aggressive tendencies persisted, leading to escalating concerns among White House staff and Secret Service agents.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have been vocal about their love for their pets, including Commander and their other German shepherd, Major. However, the safety of White House staff and visitors must remain a top priority, prompting the decision to remove Commander from the premises.
As the Biden administration grapples with the aftermath of Commander’s biting incidents, questions remain about the protocols in place for managing presidential pets and ensuring the safety of those around them. Moving forward, increased transparency and accountability may be necessary to prevent similar incidents and maintain a safe environment within the White House.
