CNN
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President Joe Biden’s youngest dog, Commander, bit another U.S. Secret Service agent at the White House on Monday evening, CNN has learned, the 11th known bite involving the 2-year-old German shepherd.
“Last night around 8pm, a Secret Service uniformed police officer came into contact with the first family’s pet and was bitten. The officer was treated in critical condition by medical personnel,” USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi told CNN in a statement.
The wounded officer was identified Tuesday by Secret Service Uniformed Division Chief Alfonso M. “Talked to Tyson Sr. and he’s fine,” Guglielmi said.
According to a CNN report and US Secret Service emails, the commander has been involved in at least 11 bite incidents at the White House and in Delaware, including one in November 2022 when an official was hospitalized after a dog bit on their arms and thighs.
White House officials said in July that the Bidens were working through new training and leashing protocols for the family pet following the incidents.
Asked by CNN whether new training had taken place or if any further action would be taken, Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for the first lady, said in a statement: “The First Family continues to work on ways to help the commander in chief deal with the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds.”
“The President and First Lady are incredibly grateful to Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their families and the country safe,” he continued.
Another of Biden’s dogs, Major, has been involved in biting incidents at the White House. The German Shepherd later left the White House, and the commander arrived at the White House in 2021.
A July email correspondence obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests by the conservative group Judicial Watch reflected 10 incidents.
In an incident in October, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden “couldn’t get back control” of the dog because it blamed a Secret Service employee.
“I believe it’s only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bitten,” the employee warned in an email.
Although Secret Service agents are not responsible for handling the first family’s pets, they may interact with the animals frequently.
“This is not a Secret Service matter. This is a workplace safety issue,” CNN contributor and former USSS agent Jonathan Walkrow told CNN.
“It’s unique here as the residence of the President of the United States, but it’s the workplace of hundreds, thousands of people. You can’t bring a hazard into the workplace. That’s essentially what’s happening with this dog. You can say it was a one-time accident, but now with so many incidents, it’s a serious issue,” he said. He also said.
Wacro said it was a “significant risk” to agents on duty at the White House residence.
“I’m sure the Bidens love the dog. I’m sure it’s a member of the family like every dog, but you’re creating a significant danger to those who support you — those who support the office of the president,” he said.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the USSS officer who spoke with the injured officer on Tuesday. It was Secret Service Uniformed Division Chief Alfonso M. Tyson Sr. It has been updated with a statement from the First Lady’s communications director.
