Defense Department Employee with Past Jan. 6 Involvement

A man who admitted to participating in the January 6 riot at 19 years old now works in a sensitive role within the Defense Department. Elias Irizarry serves as a special assistant to Assistant Secretary of Defense Derrick Anderson, who oversees Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict policy. This position requires a top-secret security clearance, and Irizarry has been employed with the Defense Department since early last year.

Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez acknowledged Irizarry’s role, stating on X, “Mr. Elias Irizarry is a qualified, patriotic young professional, and we are proud to have him as a political appointee at the Department of War.” CBS News has sought comments from Irizarry’s attorney, but there has been no response yet.

The Washington Post first reported on Irizarry’s position at the Pentagon. In January 2021, federal prosecutors explained that Irizarry, then a Citadel Military College student in South Carolina, traveled to Washington. He attended President Trump’s rally and participated in the march to the Capitol. Images from that day show Irizarry entering the Capitol through a broken window and spending 27 minutes inside, carrying a metal pole. Prosecutors detailed his presence in a conference room and the Capitol rotunda. His lawyer stated Irizarry was searching for an acquaintance.

He pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building and received a 14-day incarceration sentence. Mr. Trump pardoned Irizarry and many others involved in the riot during the first day of his second term last year. During a 2023 sentencing hearing, Irizarry expressed regret and apologized to law enforcement. He admitted, “I am ashamed because I will always be a part of this disgrace,” and promised to work tirelessly to redeem himself.

Irizarry’s federal public defender noted that he differed from many other defendants, citing his intelligence and lack of belief in conspiracy theories. His genuine remorse was highlighted as significant. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan called Irizarry’s sentencing “one of the most difficult” of the January 6 cases, given his age and notable background. She offered to write a recommendation for him should he choose to return to the Citadel, which had discharged him.

“Everybody makes mistakes,” Chutkan remarked during the hearing. “Life takes us on unexpected journeys. You are early in your journey, and I suspect you will achieve something significant in your life. I hope you do.”