President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, has bitten Secret Service agents on more than twenty occasions at various locations, including the White House.
The German shepherd’s aggressive behavior has posed significant challenges for the hundreds of employees responsible for White House operations, prompting Secret Service agents to adapt their protocols to avoid further injuries.
An assistant special agent in charge of the Presidential Protective Division issued a warning in a June 2023 email, emphasizing the need for caution around Commander and the necessity of implementing alternative safety measures.
Incidents involving bites from Commander have affected members of the Secret Service uniformed division, the president’s protective detail, and other officials, as documented in the report.
In response to inquiries, Elizabeth Alexander, Communications Director for First Lady Jill Biden, emphasized the Bidens’ concern for the safety of White House personnel. Despite extensive efforts to address Commander’s behavior through training, leash use, veterinary consultations, and behavioral analysis, it became apparent that the White House environment was not conducive to Commander’s well-being. Consequently, Commander has been relocated to live with other family members since the autumn.
Concerns about workplace safety at the White House prompted Representative Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., to address the Biden administration in a letter in November. Foxx highlighted the need to ensure a safe environment for all White House employees, including both Secret Service agents and residence staff, who have reportedly been injured in dog-related incidents.
Commander, who joined the Biden family as a puppy in 2021, has attracted attention due to his behavior, raising questions about pet management and workplace safety within the White House.
