Former Capitol Rioter Now Holds Defense Department Role

A young man who admitted guilt in joining the January 6th Capitol riot now holds a significant position in the Department of Defense. This information was confirmed by a defense official to CBS News.

Elias Irizarry, who participated in the riot at 19, serves as a special assistant to Assistant Secretary of Defense Derrick Anderson. Anderson oversees the Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict policy office. Irizarry’s role is crucial, granting him a top-secret security clearance. He began working at the Defense Department early last year.

Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez confirmed Irizarry’s employment on the social media platform X. Valdez described him as a qualified, patriotic young professional who is valued as a political appointee at the Department of War. CBS News has made contact with Irizarry’s attorney for comments.

The Washington Post initially reported Irizarry’s Pentagon position. Prosecutors stated that in January 2021, Irizarry, then attending the Citadel Military College of South Carolina, traveled to Washington, D.C., with a friend and an internet acquaintance. He attended the “Stop the Steal” rally organized by former President Trump on January 6 and marched to the Capitol.

An image of Elias Irizarry on January 6, 2021, appeared in a Justice Department filing.

Prosecutors said Irizarry entered the Capitol through a broken window, spending 27 minutes inside. During his time there, he visited a conference room and the Capitol Rotunda while carrying a metal pole. His attorney stated he entered the premises to find his acquaintance. Irizarry pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, receiving a 14-day incarceration sentence. Former President Trump pardoned him and many others linked to the riot when he began his second term last year.

During his 2023 sentencing hearing, Irizarry expressed deep remorse. He apologized to the officers handling the riot and admitted his actions brought shame upon himself, his family, and his country. After leaving the Capitol, he realized the wrongness of the events upon watching subsequent footage of the violence.

Irizarry stated, “I am ashamed because I will always be a part of this disgrace.” He committed to work diligently every day to redeem himself. His federal public defender noted that Irizarry differed from other Capitol riot defendants, labeling him as a bright young man lacking conspiracy beliefs. His remorse stood out significantly, according to the defender.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan acknowledged the difficulty of Irizarry’s sentencing, attributing it to his age and commendable background. She offered to write a recommendation letter if he reapplied to the Citadel, which discharged him following the incident.

“Everybody makes mistakes; some are more serious than others, and yours was a big one,” Chutkan stated. “You are at such an early stage in your journey; you have the potential to make something great of your life. I hope you do.”