President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, is no longer at the White House after biting a staffer, according to a spokesperson. Commander, a 2-year-old German shepherd, has had at least 10 run-ins with members of the U.S. Secret Service, most recently on Sept. 25.
According to a USSS spokesperson, Commander bit a Secret Service officer who was treated by medical personnel at the White House.
This news comes after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked in Wednesday’s briefing about new allegations that Commander bit a staffer. Jean-Pierre directed those questions to First Lady Jill Biden’s press team.
According to the first lady’s press team, Commander and Dale Haney, the head groundskeeper, were playing, and no skin was broken during the incident. While it was playing out, a tourist snapped a photo of the incident and sent it to media outlets.
Shortly after the briefing, Jill Biden’s press team sent an email statement that said the Biden’s care about the well-being and safety of the White House staff and Secret Service.
“They remain grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions,” the statement read. “Commander is not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated.”
The statement did not mention where Commander was taken. The last time he was seen at the White House was on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Commander was given to the Biden’s in December 2021 by President Biden’s brother, James. Biden’s other dog, Major, also a German shepherd, had to be removed from the White House grounds for acting aggressively, too. Major now lives with the president’s friends in Delaware.