President Biden’s dog bit Secret Service agents at least 24 times.
Written by Zenna Issa on February 22, 2024
President Joe Biden’s dog Commander bit US Secret Service agents on at least 24 occasions, according to new documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
The German Shepherd’s actions caused disruptions for the presidential bodyguards, prompting a change in tactics. One senior agent advised others to “give lots of room” to avoid further incidents.
The records, covering October 2022 to July 2023, reveal biting incidents that occurred on various body parts, including the wrist, forearm, elbow, waist, chest, thigh, and shoulder.
However, the documents don’t account for all biting incidents related to Commander, as they only pertain to the Secret Service and exclude other White House staff or Camp David employees.
Commander left the White House in October of the previous year, one week after a severe bite required medical treatment for a Secret Service agent.
Earlier incidents included a deep bite in June and a hand bite in July, which resulted in the agent needing stitches and a significant amount of blood loss.
The records also mention a “small care package” given to an agent, containing painkillers, antibiotic ointment, pepper spray, a muzzle, and dog biscuits “for safety purposes.”
An unnamed senior agent emphasized the need for creative measures to ensure personal safety when dealing with Commander, suggesting agents stay a terrain feature away from the dog if possible.