Johnston, an actor renowned for portraying a streetwise newsman in 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' and the pizza-slinging owner in 'Bob's Burgers,' stands at the brink of a dire fate. Having pleaded guilty to felony civil disorder on Monday, he now faces a maximum of five years behind bars. This admission of guilt stems from his role in obstructing law enforcement officials as they valiantly defended the U.S. Capitol from a raging mob.
Jay Johnston, a 55-year-old Los Angeles native, awaits his sentencing on October 7 before U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols. While sentencing guidelines suggest a term ranging from eight to 14 months, Judge Nichols is not bound by this recommendation, leaving Johnston's fate uncertain.
As Johnston exited the courtroom, his attorney, Stanley Woodward, cautioned him against making any comments to the press. The arrest, which occurred last June, marks Johnston as one of over 1,400 individuals charged with federal crimes following the tumultuous January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Shocking video footage captured Johnston thrusting himself against the police lines and actively aiding rioters in assaulting officers guarding a Capitol entrance. The FBI affidavit reveals that during the attack, Johnston brandished a stolen police shield, using it as a rallying point for other rioters. He stood close to the tunnel entrance, turned back, and gestured for more rioters to converge.
Once the voice behind the popular Fox character Jimmy Pesto in 'Bob's Burgers,' Johnston's involvement in the Capitol riot led to his reported "ban" from the animated series in 2021. His acting credits also include appearances in HBO's 'Mr. Show with Bob and David,' alongside Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, as well as small roles in 'Arrested Development' and 'Anchorman,' starring Will Ferrell.
According to court documents accompanying his plea agreement, Johnston utilized his cellphone to record the chaos as rioters breached barricades, forcing police officers to retreat. Facing the mob on the Lower West Terrace, he pumped his fist and pointed, urging them on. Another rioter handed him a bottle of water, which he used to aid others in flushing chemicals from their eyes.
After passing the stolen shield, Johnston joined the ranks of rioters, collectively pushing against officers guarding the tunnel entrance. He eventually fled the scene, as detailed in the agreement he signed. Three of his acquaintances, either current or former, identified him as a suspect in the riot based on photos released by the FBI. One of these associates even provided investigators with a text message from Johnston acknowledging his presence at the Capitol on January 6.
"The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn't. Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed and I found it quite untastic," Johnston wrote in the text, according to the FBI.
