Pentagon appoints convicted January 6 rioter to sensitive counterterrorism role
Summary
The Pentagon has appointed Elias Irizarry, who was convicted for participating in the January 6 Capitol riot, to a sensitive counterterrorism role in the Department of Defense. This decision has caused concern among some Pentagon officials due to his past involvement in the attack on the US Capitol.Key Facts
- Elias Irizarry pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
- He was sentenced to 14 days in jail and expressed remorse for his role in the event.
- Irizarry was 19 years old during the riot and wore a pro-President Trump hat in a widely published photo from that day.
- He graduated from the Citadel military academy in 2024 after being briefly discharged due to his involvement in the riot.
- The Pentagon appointed Irizarry to a role in the special operations and low intensity conflict office, which handles highly classified military operations including counterterrorism and hostage rescue.
- Some Pentagon insiders are concerned about his appointment because the role involves sensitive and dangerous missions.
- Pentagon officials publicly defended the appointment and criticized the Washington Post for its reporting on the matter.
- Irizarry ran unsuccessfully in a 2024 Republican primary for a state legislature seat in South Carolina.
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