WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden's younger dog Commander recently attacked yet another Secret Service officer, marking his 11th known biting incident.
Commander, a 2-year-old purebred German shepherd, attacked the uniformed Secret Service officer in the White House at around 8 pm on Monday, September 25.
“Yesterday around 8 pm, 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 told CNN in a statement.
The injured officer is said to be in good condition and has since spoken with Secret Service Uniformed Division Chief Alfonso M Dyson Sr.
Commander, a gift from the President's brother James Biden, and sister-in-law Sara Biden, was welcomed after the death of Biden’s previous German shepherd Champ, who died in June 2021.
Commander’s previous vicious attacks
This most recent attack would be the eleventh documented incident of Commander attacking a Secret Service agent in Delaware and at the White House.
Previously, internal emails obtained by a conservative watchdog group and released to the public this summer revealed 10 instances of “aggressive behavior” by the President’s pets.
One of the attacks took place on October 26, 2022, after First Lady Jill Biden failed to keep Commander under control. "While posted Commander came charging at me," the agent wrote in the email.
The officer further stated that the FLOTUS "couldn't regain control of Commander and he continued to circle me. I believe it's only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit."
About a week later, another cop reported being bitten twice by Commander. An officer, who witnessed the attack, noted that they were forced to use a "steel cart to shield" themselves from the attacking dog.
In another incident, an injured Secret Service agent was rushed to hospital after being bitten by Commander. Biden’s other dog, Major, has also been involved in numerous biting incidents with Secret Service agents.
However, he has since been moved out of the White House and now lives with Biden family friends.
How did Joe Biden’s dog become aggressive?
Officials didn’t reveal additional details regarding the Monday attack but aides to the First Lady noted that the attacks were the result of the stress that the Commander felt from being at the White House.
“As we’ve noted before, the White House can be a stressful environment for family pets, and the first family continues to work on ways to help the Commander handle the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds,” said Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for Biden, according to NY Times.
Alexander continued by noting that the “President and First Lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and executive residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family and the country safe.”
In July, authorities stated that they were working on additional leashing guidelines and training, as well as designating spaces for Commander to run and exercise.
“This isn’t a Secret Service thing. This is a workplace safety issue,” former USSS agent Jonathan Wackrow told CNN.
“There’s uniqueness here where it’s the residence of the president of the United States, but it’s also the workplace for hundreds, thousands of people.”
“And you can’t bring a hazard into the workplace. And that’s what is essentially happening with this dog. One time you can say it’s an accident, but now multiple incidents, it’s a serious issue,” he continued.
Internet worried for Commander after attacking spree
Commander’s recent attacks have worried users on the internet, with some suggesting that he needs to be taken out of the stressed atmosphere in the White House.
“COMMANDER IS TRYING TO GET ARRESTED. THE DOG WANTS OUT,” one user wrote.
“It's not the poor dog's fault. German Shepherds are tough and need to be trained & loved,” a second user suggested, while the third wrote “It’s a toxic environment. Can’t blame him.”
“I feel bad for the dog. Bad owners can ruin a good dog,” one more asserted.
However, some users demanded that Commander needs to be put down as in general cases, a dog is euthanized after more than one aggressive attack.
Washington DC’s laws regarding dog bites are somewhat unique. The district operates under a mix of two laws where an owner is strictly liable for any injury, death, or loss to a person or property that is caused by the dog while at large.
However, in situations where the dog was not “at large,” DC applies the one-bite rule. This rule suggests that the owner can only be held responsible if they are aware of their dog’s propensity to bite or act aggressively, according to Lawsuit Information.
“Put it down. It is a sad reality but I had to do it once. 11 bites” one user said, while a second wrote, “I hope he's sued for every bite.”
“Commander bit another Secret Service Agent yesterday. Number 11. If that was anyone else's dog, it would've been put down long ago!” another person fumed.
“President Biden’s dog named commander needs to be put down. He keeps biting people,” another one asserted.
