President Biden's Dog Commander Bit Secret Service Agents Repeatedly
Documents Reveal Extent of Biting Incidents
Published: February 22, 2024, 3 hours ago
President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, has caused chaos for US Secret Service agents, with new documents revealing a series of biting incidents.
According to records obtained through Freedom of Information requests, Commander, a German Shepherd, bit Secret Service agents on at least 24 different occasions between October 2022 and July 2023.
Change in Tactics for Protecting Mr. Biden
The biting incidents led to a change in tactics for the Secret Service, with agents being advised to “give lots of room” during assignments where Commander was present. One senior agent noted that the dog’s bites prompted the agency to be more cautious in ensuring personal safety.
Extreme Measures and Challenging Situations
The documents, made available through public disclosure, revealed the severity of some of the incidents. Secret Service agents were bitten on various body parts, including the wrist, forearm, elbow, waist, chest, thigh, and shoulder.
It’s important to note that these records only pertain to Secret Service personnel and don’t encompass other White House staff or employees at Camp David.
Recent Incidents and Intensified Measures
As per the documents, Commander’s biting tendencies attracted attention in June, when an agent suffered a deep bite to the forearm, requiring stitches. Blood on the floor in an area of the White House resulted in a temporary suspension of tours in the East Wing. Subsequently, in July, an agent received a bite on the hand that necessitated six stitches and resulted in significant bleeding.
The Secret Service agents affected by Commander’s bites received a “small care package” from their colleagues, including painkillers, antibiotic ointment, pepper spray, a muzzle, and dog biscuits, all for their own safety.
Adapting Operational Tactics
Recognizing the need for adaptation in order to ensure the safety of President Biden and his family, an anonymous senior agent stated in an email, “The recent dog bites have challenged us to adjust our operational tactics when Commander is present – please give lots of room (staying a terrain feature away if possible).”
The identity of the Secret Service agents and the exact details of security tactics have been redacted in the disclosed documents to preserve their confidentiality and prevent the revelation of classified security measures.
It is worth noting that Commander left the White House in October the previous year, shortly after a Secret Service agent required medical treatment for a severe bite.
