Pentagon hires convicted January 6 rioter for national security role, drawing lawmaker criticism.

The Pentagon has appointed Elias Irizarry, an individual convicted for actions during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, to a position within its policy office. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez described Irizarry as a "qualified, patriotic young professional" in a social media post, confirming his status as a political appointee.

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Mr. Elias Irizarry is a qualified, patriotic young professional, and we are proud to have him as a political appointee.

Irizarry was convicted in 2023 of a misdemeanor trespassing charge after participating in the storming of the Capitol. Court documents indicate he expressed contrition during his sentencing, which resulted in a two-week jail term. Internal Pentagon records show he has been assigned to the office of the undersecretary of defense for policy, a role that advises on national security and military strategy.

The decision to hire Irizarry has sparked criticism. Senator Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, publicly questioned the administration's choice, asking, "This administration thinks a convicted Jan. 6 rioter should be doing that kind of work?????"

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This administration thinks a convicted Jan. 6 rioter should be doing that kind of work?????

Court documents revealed that Irizarry, then a 19-year-old student at The Citadel military college, entered the Capitol through a broken window, carried a metal pole, and took photographs. Prosecutors argued that his training meant he was aware of the potential threat posed to lawmakers and staff. He pleaded guilty to trespassing in October 2022 and was sentenced in March 2023 by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan.

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Because of his training, Mr. Irizarry was undoubtedly aware of the safety threat posed by a mass of angry rioters to the Congressional members and staff inside the building.

Irizarry is not the first individual convicted in connection with the January 6 riot to secure a position within the administration. Jared Wise, a former FBI agent also charged for his involvement, was hired last year as an adviser to the Justice Department's pardon attorney. The Pentagon has declined to provide further details on Irizarry's tenure or specific duties.

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The idea of Americans being willing to fight other Americans and tear down the very institutions that millions of other Americans sacrificed and built and protect is horrible. It is something I have to live with being a part of.