The Secret Service Dog Who Tackled a White House Intruder

When Dominic Adesanya vaulted the White House north fence on the evening of October 22, 2014, he had about three seconds before a 65-pound Belgian Malinois turned his sprint into a fight for his freedom.

The Dog Behind the Badge

Hurricane was six years old, a black Belgian Malinois assigned to the US Secret Service Emergency Response Team. He had joined the unit in November 2012, trained for exactly these moments. His handler was Officer Marshall Mirarchi. The two had worked together through hundreds of hours of perimeter patrols and training drills at the White House grounds.

Twenty Seconds on the North Lawn

Adesanya hit the ground running after clearing the fence. Hurricane and a partner dog charged without hesitation. The intruder kicked him repeatedly. He punched him. He grabbed Hurricane and tried to swing him off the ground. Hurricane held on. He kept the intruder pinned until Mirarchi and fellow agents arrived and made the arrest.

Both dogs were treated for bruising. Hurricane's injuries were more significant than first reported, and the long-term damage would take months to become clear.

Awards Across Two Countries

Hurricane received the USSS Award for Meritorious Service in 2014 and the DHS Secretary's Award for Valor in 2015. In 2016, he received the Animal Medical Center Top Dog Award.

In 2019, at the British Parliament, he became the first US dog to receive the PDSA Order of Merit, a prestigious British award for outstanding devotion and service. In 2022, at the US Capitol, he received the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.

Each award added to a total no working dog in American history had reached before.

Going Home

Hurricane was medically retired on September 20, 2016, and was adopted by his handler Mirarchi - the two had worked together since 2012. In retirement, he became the public face of K9 Hurricane's Heroes, a nonprofit supporting working dogs and their handlers.

In 2023, Guinness World Records certified him as the most decorated dog in US history. He died on February 12, 2025, at approximately 16 years old, with the mission behind him and his handler by his side.