Key facts
- Pentagon hires Elias Irizarry, convicted in Jan. 6 Capitol riot, for counterterrorism role.
- Irizarry will work in the Pentagon's office overseeing special operations and irregular warfare.
- Irizarry was 19 when he participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The Pentagon has hired Elias Irizarry, who was convicted for his participation in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, for a sensitive counterterrorism position. Irizarry, who was 19 at the time of the riot, will work within the Defense Department's Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict office, which oversees special operations and irregular warfare matters. This appointment comes amid broader discussions about controversial appointments within intelligence oversight roles.