Elias Irizarry
Elias Irizarry (born 2001 or 2002 (age 24–25)[1]) is an American political appointee serving in the United States Department of Defense in the Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict office, which oversees highly classified military operations.[2][1][3] Irizarry had entered the United States Capitol during the January 6 United States Capitol attack, and had pleaded guilty and was convicted of entering in a restricted building, and was sentenced to 14 days in jail.[4][5]
Early life and education
[edit]Irizarry is from Montclair, New Jersey.[6] He attended Montclair High School before moving to Fort Mill, South Carolina and graduating from Nation Ford High School.[6][7]
January 6 United States Capitol attack
[edit]At the time of the Capitol attack, Irizarry was 19 and attended The Citadel military college in South Carolina, where he was a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol.[1][8]
According to prosecutors, Irizarry entered United States Capitol through an open window, while wielding a metal pole. He subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds.[1][9] During his sentencing in 2023, he disavowed his involvement in the attacks, stating "I am ashamed because I will always be a part of this disgrace."[1]
Career
[edit]2024 South Carolina state house of representatives primary
[edit]In 2024, Irizarry filed to run as a candidate in the South Carolina Republican primary for the state’s House District 43, losing to state representative Randy Ligon.[10][11][12]
Second Trump administration
[edit]In January 2025, Irizarry was pardoned by President Trump, along with over 1,500 other participants of the attack.[13]
During the Second Trump Administration, Irizarry was hired by the Department of Defense as a political appointee. In June 2026, The Washington Post reported that Irizarry was serving in the Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict office, which "manages highly classified military operations".[1] Irizarry is attached to a counterterrorism and irregular warfare team, with responsibilities that include security for US diplomatic missions, hostage rescue, and personnel recovery.[14]
The Pentagon confirmed his appointment, with Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez writing on X that Irizarry is a "qualified, patriotic young professional and we are proud to have him as a political appointee at the Department of War."[15]
Following the publication of the Post's investigation, Senator Mark Warner, the lead Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote on social media, "This administration thinks a convicted Jan. 6 rioter should be doing that kind of work?????"[16]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Copp, Tara; Rizzo, Salvador (June 2, 2026). "Pentagon hires convicted Jan. 6 rioter for sensitive counterterrorism job". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Jan. 6 defendant who said he was ashamed of 'foolish' actions now works at Pentagon". NBC News. June 3, 2026. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Trump's Pentagon hires Jan 6 rioter for highly sensitive counterterrorism role". The Independent. June 3, 2026. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Lee, Joyce Sohyun; Tran, Andrew Ba; Rizzo, Salvador (June 4, 2026). "Video shows Pentagon counterterrorism hire clambering into Capitol on Jan. 6". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Gottsegen, Will (June 6, 2026). "The J6 Rioter Now Working at the Pentagon". The Atlantic. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 Katzban, Nicholas. "Montclair native, pardoned Jan. 6 protester, hired to Pentagon post". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ↑ Dys, Andrew; Monk, John (March 16, 2023). "'Source of great shame': Suspended Citadel cadet sentenced in Jan. 6 case". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
- ↑ tnovelly@postandcourier.com, Thomas Novelly (March 17, 2021). "Citadel cadet charged in Capitol riot booted from school Republican club, remains a student". Post and Courier. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Former Cadet from York County sentenced for role in Jan. 6 Capitol Attack". wcnc.com. March 17, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Fausset, Richard (June 10, 2024). "He Said He Was Ashamed of Storming the Capitol. Now He's Running for Office". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Fausset, Richard (June 12, 2024). "Participant in Jan. 6 Riot Loses Primary Race in South Carolina". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Yes, some convicted criminals can run for state office in South Carolina". wcnc.com. March 30, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Monk, John. "Trump's Jan. 6 pardons include SC men convicted of violent attacks on police officers". thestate.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Tait, Robert (June 2, 2026). "Pentagon appoints convicted January 6 rioter to sensitive counter-terrorism role". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Timotija, Filip. "Pentagon hires convicted Jan. 6 rioter for counterterrorism post". thehill.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Pentagon hires convicted January 6 rioter for national security job". ABC News. June 4, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.