President Joe Biden’s 2-year-old German Shepherd, Commander, bit another member of the US Secret Service on Monday night, making it the dog’s 11th biting incident.
“Yesterday around 8 p.m., a Secret Service Uniformed Division police officer came in contact with a First Family pet and was bitten. The officer was treated by medical personnel on complex.” USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to CNN.
Luckily, the injured officer is said to be doing well after communicating with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Tuesday.
At least 11 biting incidents involving Commander have occurred at the White House and in Delaware. One serious incident in November 2022, Commander bit the officer’s arms and thighs, which led to taking them to the hospital.
Records obtained in July showed that between October 2022 and January 2023, Commander bit Secret Service personnel at the White House at least eleven times.
Currently, the dog is said to have bit 11 separate Secret Service agents.
In response, White House representatives stated in July that the Bidens were establishing new Commander training and leash procedures. In light of another biting, it appears to be uncertain whether any training has taken place or whether any additional measures will be taken.
Major, another German Shepherd owned by the Bidens, was removed from the White House in March 2021 after he had previously been involved in biting incidents.
The Commander-related mishaps have also sparked questions about workplace safety at the White House.
The frequent incidents represent a “significant hazard” to people working at the White House, he added, highlighting how serious the situation is despite the Bidens’ undeniable love for their dog.
Another Secret Service agent bitten by Commander received treatment at the White House Medical Unit for a minor injury brought on by the bite.
On March 8, 2023, Commander was involved in another “biting incident” with a National Park Service employee. The employee resumed work after receiving care from the White House Medical Unit.
A Secret Service representative stressed that the organization takes the security and welfare of its personnel seriously.
They did not offer any additional information regarding the incidents or any steps being taken to avoid such ones in the future. However, the spokesperson reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to upholding a secure environment for every member of the White House staff.
