Trump Administration Hires Jan. 6 Convict Elias Irizarry for Pentagon Counterterrorism Role
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 2
Trump Administration Hires Jan. 6 Convict Elias Irizarry for Pentagon Counterterrorism Role
2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 2
Elias Irizarry, who was 19 during the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack, has been placed in a Pentagon office overseeing highly classified military operations, according to four people familiar with the matter.
The appointment has alarmed some Defense Department officials because the role sits inside the counterterrorism apparatus and carries access to sensitive operations.
Irizarry later said he regretted joining the Capitol riot; he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for entering a restricted building and was sentenced to 14 days in jail.
Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez defended the hire, calling Irizarry "a qualified, patriotic young professional," underscoring the Trump administration's willingness to elevate Jan. 6 participants into national security posts.
Does hiring a Jan. 6 rioter for a sensitive Pentagon role redefine the criteria for national security trustworthiness?
How can the federal vetting system ensure security when expedited hiring is used for such controversial candidates?
What precedent does this set for security clearance eligibility and the principle of federal employee loyalty?
Jan. 6 Rioter Elias Irizarry Appointed to Pentagon Special Operations Post: Security Clearance and Accountability in Question
Overview
On June 2, 2026, the Pentagon hired Elias Irizarry, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot, into its highly sensitive Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict office. This decision immediately sparked significant concern both inside the Pentagon and among the public, given Irizarry’s past actions, including entering the Capitol through a broken window and carrying a metal pipe. Despite these concerns, the Pentagon has not issued an official comment. The controversy highlights serious questions about the vetting process for sensitive roles and the balance between second chances and national security.