Pentagon hires ‘qualified, patriotic’ Jan. 6 rioter for counterterrorism role
The Pentagon has hired Elias Irizarry, a former Jan. 6 rioter, for a counterterrorism role, describing him as a 'qualified, patriotic young professional.' Irizarry, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges related to the Capitol attack, will work in a sensitive division requiring a top secret security clearance. The decision has sparked controversy, with Pentagon officials defending the hire against criticism from media outlets.
- ▪Elias Irizarry was hired by the Pentagon for a role in the Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict Office's counterterrorism division.
- ▪Irizarry pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and was sentenced to 14 days in jail.
- ▪Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez defended Irizarry's hiring, criticizing the Washington Post for its reporting on the matter.
4 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 2 days. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 1 centre, 1 lean right.
- ▪ Convicted January 6 rioter appointed to sensitive Pentagon counterterrorism job - report — The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com
- ▪ Pentagon hires convicted January 6 rioter for national security job — ABC News (Australia)
- ▪ Pentagon hires convicted Jan. 6 rioter for sensitive counterterrorism job — Washington Post — Politics
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| Original publisher | Washington Examiner |
| Canonical URL | https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense/4592219/pentagon-hires-jan-6-rioter-counterterrorism/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:32:28 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-06-02T22:46:17.546Z |
| Last seen | 2026-06-02T22:46:17.546Z |
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| Cluster | hwtV9r5Aq8dy · 4 stories |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Pentagon has defended its decision to hire a former Jan. 6 riot defendant for a sensitive counterterrorism position, calling him a “qualified, patriotic young professional” after reports surfaced about his new role within the Department of War. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez appeared to confirm reporting by the Washington Post that Elias Irizarry, a former Citadel cadet who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, is now serving as a political appointee at the Pentagon.
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