Commander Biden, President Joe Biden’s family dog, has bitten US Secret Service personnel in at least 24 incidents at the White House and other locations, according to new internal USSS documents obtained by CNN. The number does not include additional incidents previously reported by CNN involving executive residence staff and other White House workers.
The new documents, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, reveal the extent to which the situation had become a serious workplace issue for the hundreds of staff supporting White House operations, and how agency personnel changed their habits to avoid being injured by the German shepherd. An unnamed assistant special agent in charge of USSS’ Presidential Protective Division wrote to their team in a June 2023 email, warning that agents “must be creative to ensure our own personal safety.”
The incidents took place inside and outside of the White House residence, as well as at Biden family homes in Delaware and other locations where the first family spends holidays. A source close to the Biden family told CNN that the family feels “awful” and has been “heartbroken” over the spate of biting incidents. “They’ve been heartbroken over this. They’ve apologized to those who have been bitten, taken flowers to some.
They feel awful. Commander was over-protective, and even though they tried and tried to work on it, they had to let him go live with other members of their family,” the source said. Despite additional dog training, leashing, working with veterinarians, and consulting with animal behaviorists, the White House environment simply proved too much for Commander. Since the fall, he has lived with other family members.
The incidents involving Commander were treated as workplace injuries, with events documented in accordance with Secret Service and US Department of Homeland Security guidelines. An unnamed special agent from the presidential protective division’s counter surveillance unit was providing security coverage in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the report said.
As the agent walked to a backyard security post, the agent heard Commander start to bark, the report said, but did not realize Commander was “loose and off leash.” Commander ran toward the direction of the post and bit the agent in the left forearm, causing a severe deep open wound.
The agent was treated on site by the White House medical unit and received six stitches to his left forearm, as well as antibiotics for the wound.
President Biden’s dog, Commander has been causing quite a stir over at the White House. According to some newly leaked documents obtained by CNN, Commander has been involved in at least 24 biting incidents involving Secret Service personnel. Yep, you read that right.
It seems like Commander was quite the troublemaker, not just at the White House but also at other Biden family homes in Delaware and even during holiday getaways. Imagine trying to relax at Camp David or enjoying Thanksgiving in Nantucket, only to be on edge because the first family’s German shepherd might take a nibble out of you!
The seriousness of the situation even prompted the Secret Service to change their tactics to avoid getting nipped by Commander. In one email, an agent warned their team to give the dog plenty of space and get creative to stay safe. Talk about adapting to unexpected challenges on the job!
And it’s not just Secret Service folks who were affected. The documents reveal incidents involving other White House staff too. One agent even ended up needing stitches after Commander decided to take a chunk out of their arm. Ouch!
But hey, the Bidens weren’t just sitting idly by while Commander wreaked havoc. They tried everything from extra training to consulting with animal behaviorists, but it seems like Commander just couldn’t adjust to life in the White House. Eventually, they had to make the tough decision to rehome him with other family members.
You can imagine how sorry the Bidens felt about the whole situation. They even apologized to those who got bitten and sent flowers to some. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, things just don’t work out as planned.
This isn’t the first time the Bidens have had trouble with their furry friends either. Remember Major, their other dog? He caused a bit of chaos too before being sent off to Delaware. Seems like the Secret Service had their hands full with not one, but two mischievous pups.
But hey, life at the White House isn’t all about dog dramas. Even though Commander’s causing trouble, the Bidens still made sure to include him in their holiday celebrations. You could spot his likeness in the festive decorations around the place, reminding everyone of the furry friend who once roamed the halls of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
