Citadel cadet charged for his involvement in the Jan. 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON D.C. (WCBD) – Newly released documents revealed two South Carolina men were arrested for their roles in a riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

After the Federal Bureau of Investigations began circulating images of individuals who were involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, a witness submitted a tip identifying Elliot Bishai of Fort Mill, SC and Elias Irizarry of Rock Hill, SC – both are cadets in a Civil Air Patrol Unit.

The witness told authorities that their demeanors – specifically the way they are standing in the photographs – and physical characterizes made them easily identifiable.

They also noted that Irizarry often wears his boots in the specific style seen in the photographs.

According to documents, two additional witnesses recognized the pair through their association with the Civil Air Patrol Unit and made a connection to their clothing.

Witness 2 states that they were familiar with Bishai’s backpack, red plaid shirt, bandana, and had seen Bishai wear them previously. They also stated that both Bishai and Irizarry’s location on Snapchat pinned them in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.

Additionally, the second and third witnesses observed footage that was released by The New Yorker and recognized the pair in the videos making entry into the U.S. Capitol building through a broken window, and again in various spots inside and around the building.

During an interview with FBI Special Agents on January 28, a fourth witness, who is a family member of Bishai, confirmed that he was at the Capitol that day and that he entered the building and took selfies.

Agents reviewed both the records of both men with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and social media platforms prior to making their arrests.

Officials with The Citadel confirmed to News 2 Irizarry is a second-semester freshman, a political science major, at the military college.

“The Citadel is aware that federal charges have been filed against Elias Irizarry, a student currently enrolled at the college. We will continue to cooperate with the FBI and other authorities as this matter is resolved. Once this matter is resolved, The Citadel will take appropriate actions in accordance with the college’s rules and regulations. It would be inappropriate to speculate about any subsequent actions the college would take pending resolution of the charges,” said Col. John Dorrian, USAF (Ret.), vice president, The Citadel Office of Communications and Marketing in a statement to News 2.

Both men are charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, knowingly engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in any restricted buildings or grounds, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Irizarry is the son of daytime soap opera star, Vincent Irizarry, who has starred in Days of Our Lives, All My Children, The Young and The Restless, and more.

Both men appeared in court on Tuesday, they have been released on $25,000 bond each. They are expected in district court in Washington D.C. on March 22nd.