A series of emails have come to light revealing concerning incidents involving Commander, President Biden’s canine pet, at the White House. The emails, dating from October 2022 to January 2023, raise questions about the safety of White House staff and Secret Service officers in the presence of the aggressive dog.
The first warning was sounded in October 2022 when a Secret Service officer emailed colleagues, expressing concern that it was only a matter of time before Commander would bite an officer due to his extremely aggressive behavior. Unfortunately, this warning turned into reality on November 3, 2022, when Commander attacked a Secret Service officer seated at the bottom of a stairwell.
According to internal agency emails, the dog bit the officer’s arm and leg, causing a “considerable amount of pain.” Another officer had to use a chair to defend himself from the aggressive dog, highlighting the severity of the incidents.
The safety of the first family’s pets has been a point of contention, as even First Lady Jill Biden was not immune to Commander’s aggression. During a walk in the Kennedy Garden near the East Wing, Commander bit a uniformed Secret Service officer, causing bruising and pain.
These incidents have raised concerns about the handling and training of Commander, as previous reports indicate that Biden’s former dog, Major, was also involved in similar aggressive behavior during his time in the White House. Major was subsequently sent to live at Biden’s Delaware home before his return.
Despite the alarming incidents, the White House has been working on “additional leashing protocols and training” for Commander, according to Elizabeth Alexander, the first lady’s communications director. The unique and stressful environment of the White House complex for family pets may have contributed to Commander’s behavior, and the first family aims to create designated areas for him to run and exercise.
Elizabeth Alexander, who serves as communications director for the first lady said in a statement to Fox, “The White House complex is a unique and often stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family is working through ways to make this situation better for everyone. They have been partnering with the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff on additional leashing protocols and training, as well as establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise,” Alexander said.
“According to the Secret Service, each incident referenced was treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed. 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.”
However, there have been accusations of a cover-up by the Biden White House regarding Major’s biting incidents, with reports suggesting he had attacked more people than previously disclosed. These revelations have only amplified concerns about the safety protocols in place for the first family’s pets and their interactions with staff and officers.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Commander has been involved in any other incidents since January 2023 or upon his arrival at the White House.
