New documents reveal Joe Biden’s dog Commander involved in 24 biting incidents with Secret Service
President Biden’s Dog, Commander, Sparks Secret Service Adjustments
President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, has caused quite a stir at the White House. Internal documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that Commander had at least two dozen biting incidents with Secret Service agents. These incidents prompted the Secret Service to make changes to their operating protocols not only at the White House but also at Camp David and Biden’s Delaware homes.
The documents, obtained by The Black Vault, a government transparency group, detail the efforts of Secret Service agents to navigate around the German shepherd and document each biting incident. Although the documents mention 24 separate incidents between October 2022 and July 2023, it is believed that there were more encounters with the dog that were not accounted for.
Reports of Commander’s aggressive behavior began to surface in the spring of last year, leading to his relocation to an undisclosed location in the fall of 2023.
Adjusting Tactics for Commander’s Presence
The Secret Service agents had to come up with new strategies to deal with Commander’s presence. In an email dated June 14, 2023, an assistant special agent in charge requested immediate replies from anyone who had been bitten by the First Family pet. The email emphasized the need for open communication, even if there were no incidents to report.
Another agent from the Presidential Protection Division sent an email on June 29, 2023, advising everyone to give Commander plenty of space and stay away if possible. While the agents would continue to keep President Biden in their sight, they acknowledged the need to be creative in ensuring their own safety.
Agents Injured by Commander
Several Secret Service agents who encountered Commander suffered injuries that required medical attention. One agent, who stumbled upon the dog at Biden’s Rehoboth Beach home on July 29, did not realize that Commander was off his leash. The resulting bite caused a severe deep open wound and significant blood loss.
A supervisor later expressed relief that the agent’s pitching arm was not affected and mentioned that a care package had been put together for them by other Secret Service staff.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi emphasized that the safety and well-being of their employees are of utmost importance. He stated that the incidents involving Commander were treated as workplace injuries and documented according to Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security guidelines. While the Secret Service personnel do not handle or care for the first family’s pets, they work closely with relevant entities to minimize any negative impacts caused by family pets.
Elizabeth Alexander, first lady Jill Biden’s communications director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the president and first lady’s concern for the safety of those who work at the White House and protect them daily. Despite efforts to train Commander, leash him, consult with veterinarians, and seek advice from animal behaviorists, it became clear that the White House environment was not suitable for him. As a result, Commander has been living with other family members since the fall.
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What adjustments were made in Biden’s Delaware homes to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of both agents and the dog
N suggested implementing a stricter leash policy for Commander whenever he was in public areas of the White House. The agent also recommended providing additional training for the dog to address his aggressive behavior. These suggestions were approved by Secret Service officials and put into effect immediately.
At Camp David, the Secret Service installed additional barriers and fences to ensure the safety of agents and staff members. Commander’s access to certain areas was restricted, and designated handlers were assigned to him at all times. This was done to mitigate the risk of Commander biting anyone during his time at the presidential retreat.
In Biden’s Delaware homes, similar adjustments were made. Secure enclosures were created, and staff members received training on how to interact with Commander in a safe manner. The goal was to prevent any further incidents and maintain the well-being of both the agents and the dog.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The news of Commander’s biting incidents sparked a flurry of public reaction and controversy. Some criticized the President and his family for not properly training and controlling their dog. Others defended the Bidens, arguing that aggressive behavior in dogs can be challenging to address and that the necessary steps were being taken to rectify the situation.
Animal behavior experts weighed in on the matter, noting that German shepherds, as a breed, can be protective and territorial, which can lead to aggressive behavior if not properly trained and socialized. They emphasized the importance of working closely with professional dog trainers to address Commander’s aggression and ensure the safety of those around him.
President Biden himself addressed the issue in a press conference, expressing his concern for the well-being and behavior of his dog. He assured the public that corrective measures were being taken and that Commander would receive the necessary training and support to address his aggression.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The incidents involving Commander provided the Secret Service with an opportunity to re-evaluate their protocols and make necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of agents and the President. The importance of comprehensive training and protocols for dealing with presidential pets was highlighted, and steps were taken to address any potential future incidents effectively.
Additionally, the public’s response to the incidents emphasized the need for responsible pet ownership and the awareness of potential risks associated with certain breeds. This event serves as a reminder that owning a dog, particularly one with a protective nature like a German shepherd, requires dedication to training and socialization. It also highlights the importance of holding pet owners accountable for their pets’ behavior and addressing any issues that may arise.
Overall, the biting incidents involving Commander brought about changes in how the Secret Service operates and highlighted the responsibilities that come with owning a pet in the White House. Through increased training, stricter protocols, and a commitment to addressing aggression, President Biden and his team have shown their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
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