The Department of Defense said Tuesday that it had hired a convicted January 6 rioter because he was “a qualified, patriotic young professional,” despite concerns reportedly raised by Pentagon officials.
The statement was referring to Elias Irizarry, who The Washington Post reported had been hired into a position with the Defense Department’s Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Four officials who spoke to the outlet said there had been questions about how anyone linked to January 6 could be hired for such a role.
Irizarry, who was 19 in January 2021, had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds following the attack on the U.S. Capitol Building, and was sentenced to 14 days in jail. He had expressed regret over his participation.
When asked about the appointment, acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez told Newsweek that Irizarry was “a qualified, patriotic young professional, and we are proud to have him as a political appointee.”
“Unlike Mr. Irizarry, the Washington Post does not care about national security given its track record of low-tier reporters publishing and soliciting classified information that could hurt our nation on a daily basis,” Valdez said.
Irizarry’s Role in January 6
On January 6, 2021, Irizarry entered the Capitol and engaged in disorderly conduct, but was not accused of violence.
According to court records and reporting:
- He traveled to Washington, D.C., with friends to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally.
- He moved with the crowd to the Capitol after the breach had begun.
- He entered the Capitol through a broken window, alongside others.
- Inside, he and others walked through the building, taking photos and exploring areas
At sentencing, he described January 6 as a “disgrace” and said he was “ashamed.”
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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