5-10-2023 (WASHINGTON) President Biden’s dog, Commander, has been removed from the White House premises following a series of biting incidents and displays of aggressive behavior.
The decision to relocate Commander was made with a focus on the safety of White House personnel and the Secret Service, according to Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for First Lady Jill Biden. Alexander conveyed their deep concern for the well-being of those working at the White House and the individuals responsible for their security.
“The President and First Lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day,” she stated. “They remain grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions.”
At present, Commander is no longer on the White House premises while the next steps concerning his placement are under evaluation.
The most recent incident involving Commander, a German Shepherd, occurred when he bit a Secret Service agent on White House grounds last month. This marked the 11th known occurrence of Commander biting White House or Secret Service personnel.
Judicial Watch, a conservative legal activist group, had previously obtained reports detailing the ten previous incidents of Commander exhibiting aggressive behavior towards staff, covering the period from October 2022 through January 2023.
CNN has also reported on undisclosed biting incidents that had gone unreported. Internal communications within the Secret Service, revealed by the New York Post during the summer, documented a serious occurrence where a Secret Service officer was referred to the White House physician’s office for treatment on November 3, 2022. The officer had been bitten by Commander on the thigh and arm, requiring medical attention.
In addition to these incidents, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Commander had bitten White House grounds superintendent Dale Haney a few weeks ago. The description of this incident suggested that the dog’s behavior was playful, and it did not result in any puncture wounds or marks on Haney’s skin, only some slobber.
When queried about concerns over potential lawsuits resulting from Commander’s misbehavior, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referred inquiries to the Secret Service or the first lady’s office.
This development comes after President Biden and the First Lady parted ways with their previous dog, Major, who had also exhibited aggressive behavior, including biting Secret Service and White House staff. Major, another German Shepherd, was eventually sent to live with friends in Delaware.
