Newly released Secret Service records have unveiled that President Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, was involved in at least 24 biting incidents over the past year, more than what was initially reported. The disclosure, which includes 269 pages of related emails, sheds light on the severity and frequency of these incidents.
The emails document the concern among Secret Service agents, with at least 11 of these incidents necessitating medical attention. The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by security personnel in managing the First Family’s pet within the confines of the White House.
The document, heavily redacted to safeguard Secret Service agents’ identities and security methods, was released following a Freedom of Information Act request by John Greenewald, a California researcher known for uncovering government secrets.
The documents might not capture all of Commander’s biting incidents, as they only account for those involving the Secret Service, excluding other White House workers or Camp David staff.
Commander, a gift to Biden from his brother James in December 2021, had to be removed from the White House premises in October. The decision came after one particularly severe incident where a Secret Service agent was bitten and required medical treatment. The 2-year-old German shepherd’s behavior has sparked discussions about pet management and safety protocols within the presidential residence.