A former Citadel cadet who pleaded guilty for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack has reportedly been hired for a position at the Pentagon.
Former Cadet Reportedly Hired
According to a report by The Washington Post, Elias Irizarry has been hired to work in the Defense Department’s Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict office.
News outlets reported that Irizarry is assigned to the office’s irregular warfare and counterterrorism section, which handles issues including embassy security, hostage rescue and personnel recovery.
Role in Jan. 6 Attack
While a freshman at The Citadel, Irizarry was captured on video entering the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack.
He later pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building and was sentenced to 14 days in jail.
Following his guilty plea, The Citadel suspended him.
Political Campaign and Pardon
Irizarry later ran as a Republican candidate for a South Carolina House seat but lost in the primary election.
He was also among those pardoned by Donald Trump at the start of Trump’s second term.
The reported Pentagon appointment has drawn attention because of Irizarry’s prior conviction related to the Capitol attack.
