On Sept. 4, 2025, Robert Keith Packer was arrested for his involvement in a two-dog-attack that led to four people getting injured. The attacks took place in Newport News on Barbour Drive, a neighborhood approximately one mile from Christopher Newport University.
The event took place on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, when four people were attacked by two large Dogo Argentinos. All four victims were taken to the hospital that evening.
The two dogs were taken by Newport News Animal Control following the attacks. They also seized six puppies following Packer’s arrest. Another adult dog was also present during the arrest, as well as multiple rabbits.
Robert Keith Packer has a criminal history that spans 25 years, with some charges such as forgery, drunk driving and drug possession. Most recently, he was charged with unlawful picketing and parading in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Packer was photographed at the White House on Jan. 6 wearing a sweatshirt that read “Camp Auschwitz…Work Brings Freedom.” He pleaded guilty to his charges and served 75 days in jail, and was one of the 1,500 people pardoned by President Donald Trump in early 2025.
Packer is now looking at charges coming from the Newport News Animal Control, who are leading this investigation into the attacks. These include one count of dogs running in a pack, a misdemeanor and one human endangerment by the owner of an animal – a felony.
Sources say the neighborhood is still recovering from the trauma of the event. It started with the first victim, an elderly woman, being viciously attacked. As people joined in to try and help her, more injuries were caused from the animals.
Members of the community spoke after the attacks that since Packer returned earlier this year, his house remains “a dark cloud” in an otherwise friendly neighborhood. Parents reported that even before the attacks took place they told their children to stay away from Packer’s house.
His first court appearance for this incident was Sept. 12, 2025. At this time, Sept. 14, Packer has not publicly commented on the attacks.
