Actor Admits Involvement in Capitol Riots
A comedic actor known for his roles in Anchorman and Arrested Development, Jay Johnston, is facing the possibility of up to five years of imprisonment after confessing to obstructing police officers during the Capitol riots in the United States.
Details of the Incident
Aside from his work in these popular series, Johnston, who also provided the voice for Jimmy Pesto in the animated show Bob’s Burgers, is among over 1,400 individuals who have been formally charged in connection with the violence that erupted in Washington DC on January 6, 2021.
According to video evidence, the 55-year-old was seen physically pushing against law enforcement officers and assisting rioters in breaching the lower west tunnel entrance to the Capitol, where some of the most severe clashes between rioters and police occurred.
The FBI affidavit notes that Johnston was situated near the tunnel entrance, directing other rioters to join him and even brandished a stolen police shield, which he then passed to fellow participants during the unrest.
Legal Consequences
Johnston faces a potential sentence of five years in prison as a result of his guilty plea to charges of civil disorder. His sentencing is scheduled for October 7th.
The FBI investigation revealed that Johnston was identified as a suspect by three individuals who were either currently or formerly associated with him. One of these associates provided a text message from Johnston confirming his presence at the Capitol during the riots.
Prior to his legal troubles, Johnston faced repercussions in his professional life as well. Reports indicated that his character on Bob’s Burgers was removed from the show due to his involvement in the storming of the Capitol.
Overview of Capitol Riots
The Capitol riots, which occurred shortly after Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election, resulted in the deaths of five police officers and injuries to 140 others. The violent mob, seeking to overturn the election results and keep Trump in power, stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.
While over 1,400 arrests have been made in connection with the riots, with more than 1,000 convictions secured by the FBI, the legal consequences vary. While many defendants received probation, others have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from days to decades.
