What happened with Pentagon’s Jan. 6 hire?

Pentagon hires convicted Jan. 6 rioter

The pool includes a report that the Pentagon hired a person previously involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and who was convicted in connection with that event. The individual identified is Elias Irizarry, who, according to the provided items, was photographed and later described as working in a sensitive Pentagon counterterrorism-related role.

What the stories say

• Irizarry is a Jan. 6 defendant who was later convicted.
• A Justice Department photo from the Capitol is referenced in the pool, showing him during the attack period.
• The Pentagon confirmed the hire and characterized the person as qualified for a counterterrorism post.

Why it matters

Hiring someone convicted in the Jan. 6 context for work described as counterterrorism-related raises questions about vetting, personnel standards, and the symbolic message sent by the defense department. Counterterrorism roles typically require high trust and careful handling of information and responsibilities.

The story pool also indicates that the hire has drawn alarm or scrutiny within elements of the Defense Department, underscoring that the controversy is not only public-facing but also internal.

Limits of what’s provided

The items in the pool don’t specify the precise duties of the role, the timeline between conviction and hiring, or the depth of any clearance process.

Still, the central development is straightforward: a convicted Jan. 6 rioter has been appointed to a sensitive Pentagon counterterrorism position, prompting concern about how national-security institutions manage risk and credibility.