WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, is currently not at the White House after a series of biting incidents involving White House staff and U.S. Secret Service officers, according to a statement from first lady Jill Biden’s spokesperson, Elizabeth Alexander.
Alexander stated that both President Biden and the first lady prioritize the safety of White House staff and those who protect them. She expressed gratitude for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service while they work on finding a solution. Currently, Commander is not on the White House premises as they assess the next steps.
The statement did not specify Commander’s current location. The 2-year-old German shepherd was last seen on an upper balcony of the White House on Saturday.
This statement followed an incident where Commander was alleged to have bitten a White House staffer. When asked about it during the daily briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referred questions to the first lady’s office. They explained that Commander was playing with Dale Haney, the head groundskeeper, and the incident did not break the skin. A tourist captured the incident in a photograph, which was later published online.
Commander has been involved in a series of biting incidents, including one on September 25 where a Secret Service officer was bitten and required medical treatment. Records from the Department of Homeland Security show that Commander has bitten or attacked Secret Service personnel at least 10 times between October 2022 and January.
This is not the first time President Biden’s dogs have displayed aggressive behavior. The first dog, Major, a German shepherd, was eventually sent to live with friends in Delaware after similar incidents involving White House staff and Secret Service personnel.
