Pentagon Hires Convicted Jan. 6 Rioter for Sensitive Counterterrorism Position
The Pentagon has appointed Elias Irizarry, a participant in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot who later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge, to a policy role connected to special operations and counterterrorism work, according to reporting confirmed by multiple outlets. The appointment has drawn criticism because the office helps oversee highly sensitive national security activities.
Irizarry was 19 when he entered restricted Capitol grounds during the 2021 attack. He later expressed remorse and served a brief jail sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor offense.
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Pentagon officials defended the appointment, describing him as qualified and patriotic. Critics argue that someone convicted in connection with Jan. 6 should not hold a role tied to sensitive military operations and national security planning.
The controversy arrives amid continuing debates over the treatment of Jan. 6 defendants and the standards used for government appointments under the Trump administration.
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