Actor Jay Johnston could face five years in prison for his involvement in Capitol riots, admits to his role | Entertainment & Arts News
A comedy actor who had roles in Anchorman and Arrested Development is facing potential prison time up to five years after pleading guilty to obstructing police officers during the US Capitol riots.
Jay Johnston, known for voicing Jimmy Pesto in Bob’s Burgers, is among the many individuals charged with crimes related to the violence on January 6, 2021, in Washington DC.
Surveillance footage captured the 55-year-old actor pushing against police officers and assisting rioters in the lower west tunnel entrance to the Capitol during the chaos.
Johnston, who is from Los Angeles, was involved in holding a stolen police shield over his head and passing it to other rioters during the attack, according to an FBI agent’s affidavit.
The attack on January 6, 2021 aimed to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden following the 2020 presidential election.
Jay Johnston at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. Pic: FBI
According to court filings, Johnston used his phone to document the rioters breaking through barricades and causing police officers to retreat.
Three individuals who knew Johnston confirmed his participation in the riots from FBI-published photos, as per the affidavit.
One of the associates provided a text message in which Johnston admitted to being present at the Capitol during the riots, as stated by the FBI.
“The news has portrayed it as an attack. It wasn’t quite that. It turned into a mess. I got maced and tear gassed, and I didn’t find it very fantastic,” Johnston’s message read, according to the FBI.
The actor, arrested in June last year, could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison after pleading guilty to civil disorder.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 7.
Prior to being charged for his involvement in the riots, Johnston faced professional repercussions, with his character being written off Bob’s Burgers, as reported by the Daily Beast in December 2021.
During his career, Johnston often portrayed police officers, including roles on The Sarah Silverman Show and Arrested Development.
He also appeared in Anchorman as a member of Wes Mantooth’s news team.
Read more:
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Jay Johnston at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. Pic: FBI
What happened during the US Capitol riots?
Five police officers died and 140 were seriously injured during the insurrection that occurred shortly after Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election.
Trump supporters stormed and breached the United States Capitol Building in Washington DC.
The mob’s intention was to maintain Trump’s presidency by obstructing the Electoral College vote count to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
The FBI has made numerous arrests and secured convictions related to the riots.
While many received probation, over 540 individuals have received prison sentences ranging from a few days to 22 years.
