By The newspaper
President Joe Biden’s family dog Commander has been involved in a series of biting incidents affecting US Secret Service personnel, USSS documents recently obtained by CNN reveal.
These incidents, involving at least 24 bites on Secret Service personnel, occurred at the White House and other locations, including the Biden family’s homes in Delaware and during their stay in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Despite previous reports about Commander’s aggressive behavior, these new documents, accessed through a Freedom of Information Act request, highlight the significant workplace concern his actions raised for the White House staff and Secret Service agents.
Internal communications among Secret Service personnel indicate the extent of the problem, with adjustments to operational tactics being necessary to ensure personal safety around the Commander.
These incidents ranged from minor to serious, with some requiring medical attention, such as stitches and antibiotics. The Biden family, described as “horrible” over the incidents, made efforts to apologize and address the situation, including sending flowers to those affected, according to CNN.
Commander’s departure from the White House
Despite attempts at additional training and measures to control the Commander’s behavior, the White House environment was ultimately deemed too overwhelming for him, leading to his relocation to live with other family members.
This situation highlights the challenges of handling pets in high-security environments and the impact on the relationships between the first family and the Secret Service personnel responsible for their protection.
Notably, the documented biting incidents also reflect broader tensions between the Biden family and the Secret Service, previously strained by incidents involving Major, another Biden dog, that led to his rehoming.
The repeated incidents with Commander further complicated the dynamic, despite the Bidens’ long history as dog owners and their sensitivity to their pets’ behavior.
The release of these documents and the public details of the Commander’s behavior shed light on the complexities of managing personal and security needs within the White House, highlighting efforts to balance the well-being of presidential pets with operational and security requirements of the Secret Service.
Some of the incidents with Commander Biden:
- In a serious incident in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a Secret Service agent received six stitches and antibiotics after being bitten by Commander.
- An officer was bitten while holding a door open in the area between the West Wing and the residence, an incident that directly involved President Joe Biden.
- A near-miss incident occurred on the White House grounds, where the Commander lunged for a bite, but missed before the First Lady regained control of the leash.
- A Commander injury to a uniformed division officer required hospital treatment.
- One officer described being bitten by Commander at the White House with the first family present, but suffered no marks.
- A special agent attempted to help open a door for the First Lady when Commander jumped out and bit them, causing tears in their clothing and small lacerations.
- A Navy personnel member at Laurel Cabin at Camp David was bitten by Commander.
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