An actor whose credits include prominent comedies such as “Bob’s Burgers,” “Arrested Development” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” is accused of participating in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, NBC News reports.
Jay Johnston, 54, was arrested Wednesday in Los Angeles on multiple charges, including felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder and misdemeanor unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds.
Investigators identified the Hollywood actor in part through video footage allegedly showing him pushing police officers and helping fellow rioters in an entrance to a Capitol tunnel in the 2021 riot. He also allegedly used a stolen police shield and shared it with other rioters.
Johnston “was close to the entrance to the tunnel, turned back and signaled for other rioters to come towards the entrance,” an affidavit states, according to The Associated Press.
Authorities also say Johnson helped pour water on rioters’ faces after police released pepper spray.
Among Johnston’s television roles was as the voice of the character Jimmy Pesto, Sr. on “Bob’s Burgers,” however he was banned from the show in December 2021 amid suspicion of his participation in the Jan. 6 attack, according to The Daily Beast.
Flight records obtained by the government show that Johnston flew from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., on January 4, 2021, and flew back on January 7.
Multiple people identified Johnston as a suspect based on photos released by the FBI. One of the tipsters also shared a text message in which Johnston allegedly admitted to being inside the Capitol.
“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 allegedly wrote, according to court documents reviewed by the AP.
The actor has started in “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Better Call Saul,” “Community,” “Rick and Morty,” “The Sarah Silverman Program” and “Modern Family.” His credits also include the Adult Swim series “Moral Orel,” “Momma Named Me Sheriff,” “Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole” and “Mr. Pickles,” Variety reports.
Johnston is among more than 1,000 people who have been criminally charged in connection with the January 6 attack.
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[Feature Photo: Jay Johnston/FBI]
