Pentagon hires 'qualified, patriotic' Jan. 6 rioter for counterterrorism role
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.
TL;DR
- The Pentagon hired Elias Irizarry, a former Jan. 6 riot defendant, for a counterterrorism position.
- Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez defended the hire, calling Irizarry "qualified, patriotic young professional."
- Valdez criticized the Washington Post for its reporting, accusing the newspaper of disregarding national security.
- Irizarry pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of entering and remaining in a restricted area.
- He was sentenced to 14 days in jail and ordered to pay $500 in restitution.
- Irizarry expressed remorse for his actions, stating his participation brought "great shame."
- He graduated from the Citadel in May 2024.