Actor Jay James Johnston, 55, from Los Angeles, has pled guilty to civil disorder, a felony charge, related to his involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Johnston will be sentenced by a US district judge on October 7.
The charge stems from the violent events of January 6, when supporters of then-outgoing president Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol. They attacked police, breached barricades, and unlawfully entered the Capitol building in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.
Johnston is among over 1,400 individuals who have been arrested and charged with federal crimes connected to that day. Known for his role as the voice of Jimmy Pesto in the TV series “Bob’s Burgers” and his appearance in the movie “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” Johnston reportedly lost his job on “Bob’s Burgers” following the Capitol attack.
According to an affidavit from an FBI special agent, video footage reveals Johnston pushing against police and aiding other rioters in attacking officers who were guarding an entrance to the Capitol on the Lower West Terrace. The affidavit, obtained by ABC News, includes video stills of Johnston holding a stolen police shield over his head, which he passed to other rioters during the attack.
The FBI agent also noted that Johnston signaled for other rioters to approach the tunnel entrance. A court filing accompanying Johnston’s plea agreement reveals that he used his mobile phone to record rioters breaking through barricades and confronting police officers. On the Lower West Terrace, Johnston reportedly pounded his fists together and pointed towards the crowd. He also helped other rioters flush chemicals from their eyes with a bottle of water handed to him by another rioter.
After passing the stolen shield, Johnston joined others in pushing against police officers guarding the tunnel entrance. He left the tunnel minutes later, according to the plea agreement he signed.
Three current or former associates of Johnston identified him as a suspect from photos published by the FBI. One of these associates provided investigators with a text message in which Johnston acknowledged being at the Capitol on January 6.
Johnston faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
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