Pentagon hires ‘qualified, patriotic’ Jan. 6 rioter for counterterrorism role The Pentagon has defended its decision to hire Elias Irizarry, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, for a counterterrorism position. Acting press secretary Joel Valdez called Irizarry a “qualified, patriotic young professional” and criticized reporting that he believed disregarded national security. Irizarry, who was a Citadel cadet at the time of the riot, pleaded guilty to entering a restricted area and was sentenced to 14 days in jail and ordered to pay restitution.

• 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.