Commander, the first family’s embattled German Shepherd, bit another U.S. Secret Service agent while President Joe Biden was walking him around the White House grounds, according to newly released records.
Biden was walking Commander in the Kennedy Garden on Sept. 12, 2023, when the dog bit a Secret Service agent who approached the president to help him with something, the records obtained by conservative activist group Judicial Watch and reviewed by ABC News show.
“As I started to walk toward him to see if he needed help, Commander ran through his legs and bit my left arm through the front of my jacket. I pulled my arm away and yelled no,” according to an email sent from an unnamed agent. “When turning to close the door, Commander jumped again and bit my left arm for the second time.”
In a photo from a FOIA document acquired by Judicial Watch, an unnamed U.S. Secret Service agent’s coat is shown with bite marks on it from a Commander Biden biting incident on Sept. 12, 2023.
Department of Homeland Security
The emails were part of Judicial Watch’s lawsuit for U.S. Secret Service emails via a Freedom of Information Act.
The email shows that while no skin was broken, the agent’s coat did have dog bites in it.
After it was reported in the press that another agent was bit, frustration set in at least for one agent, the emails show.
In this June 21, 2022, file photo, President Joe Biden walks with his dog Commander, in the Rose Garden of the White House, in Washington, D.C.
UIG via Getty Images, FILE
“Can we please find a way to get this dog muzzled,” the unnamed agent wrote.
The dog was moved from the White House in October, due to a string of over 11 biting incidents, according to an ABC News tally.
In one incident, a Secret Service uniformed officer had to be taken to the hospital after a bite from Commander.
President Biden’s dog Commander made headlines recently when reports surfaced that he had bitten a Secret Service agent while being walked. The incident, which occurred at the White House, has sparked a debate about the behavior of the presidential pets and their interactions with the staff.
According to records, Commander, a German Shepherd, was out for a walk with a Secret Service agent when he suddenly became agitated and bit the agent on the hand. The agent received medical treatment for the injury, but it was not serious.
This is not the first time that Commander has displayed aggressive behavior. In March, he was involved in another biting incident with a member of the White House security team. While the President and First Lady have taken steps to address Commander’s behavior, including hiring a professional dog trainer, the recent incident has raised concerns about the safety of the staff and visitors at the White House.
The behavior of presidential pets has long been a topic of interest and scrutiny. While many presidents have had beloved pets that have become part of the fabric of the White House, incidents like this serve as a reminder that even well-trained animals can sometimes act unpredictably.
In response to the incident, President Biden issued a statement expressing concern for the injured agent and reiterating his commitment to ensuring the safety of all those who work at the White House. He also emphasized that Commander is receiving additional training to address his behavior.
The incident with Commander highlights the importance of proper training and supervision for all pets, especially those living in high-profile environments like the White House. While pets can bring joy and companionship to their owners, it is essential to prioritize their safety and the safety of those around them.
As Commander continues his training and rehabilitation, it is hoped that he will be able to overcome his aggressive tendencies and become a well-behaved member of the Biden family. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder that even presidential pets are not immune to behavioral issues and require proper care and attention to ensure the safety of those around them.
