Hurricane, a beloved Secret Service dog who famously shielded President Obama and his family from an intruder, has died.
The distinguished Special Operations Belgian Malinois, considered the most decorated K-9 in U.S. history, was 16 years old.
“As much as we knew this time was coming there was no way to prepare. We miss him so much. A huge hole that can never be replaced,” his handler, Marshall Mirarchi said.
On October 22, 2014, Hurricane was patrolling the White House lawn when an intruder climbed the fence.
The suspect, Dominic Adesanya, came within 100 yards of President Obama and his wife as they watched a film in the White House movie theater, according to the New York Times.
Hurricane tackled the man, who was later hospitalized with multiple dog bites. Unfortunately, Hurricane and another dog, Jordan, were badly injured in the scuffle.
"He beat Hurricane really bad,” Mirarchi, a retired Secret Service agent, told the New York Times. “But Hurricane did not give up.”
As a result of his injuries, Hurricane went into medical retirement in 2016. He received numerous medals for his bravery, including the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor, the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the American Medical Center Top Dog.
Hurricane entered the Guiness Book of World Records after becoming the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
Hurricane also became the namesake of Mirarchi's charity for retired K-9s, Hurricane’s Heroes. The organization has helped provide medical care for 150 retired military and government working dogs.
The White House called Hurricane a "true American hero" in a tribute.
Hurricane was a true American hero.
The most decorated K-9 in U.S. history, he bravely defended the White House and spent retirement helping other working dogs through @Hurricane_K9. His legacy of courage and loyalty will live on.
Rest easy, Hurricane. 🇺🇸🐾 pic.twitter.com/st5VxcOiAd
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2025
The Obama family has yet to issue a statement on the loyal pup's passing.
Last week, Hurricane was flown back to Washington D.C. to say goodbye to his Secret Service buddies, who honored him with a plaque and an American flag at the Secret Service K9 Training Center.
“His whole team came to say goodbye,” Mirarchi said. “We put him down together.”
