Jan. 6 Rioter Now Holds Top-Secret Post In Pentagon Special Ops Office
Elias Irizarry, who pleaded guilty for entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, now holds a top-secret civilian post in the Pentagon's Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict office.[1]
A defense official confirmed Irizarry has served since early 2025 as special assistant to Assistant Secretary of Defense Derrick Anderson in that office.[1] Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said Irizarry holds a top-secret security clearance.[1]
On Jan. 6, 2021, Irizarry entered the Capitol through a broken window and remained inside about 27 minutes carrying a metal pole.[1] He pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and was sentenced in 2023 to 14 days in jail.[1] President Trump pardoned Irizarry and most other Jan. 6 defendants on the first day of his second term.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Jan. 6, 2021, Elias Irizarry entered the Capitol through a broken window and remained inside for about 27 minutes carrying a metal pole.
- Irizarry pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and was sentenced in 2023 to 14 days of incarceration.
- President Trump pardoned Irizarry and most other Jan. 6 defendants on the first day of his second term.
- A defense official confirmed Irizarry has served since early 2025 as special assistant to Assistant Secretary of Defense Derrick Anderson in the Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict office.
- Irizarry holds a top-secret security clearance as part of his Pentagon role, acting press secretary Joel Valdez said June 4, 2026.
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