A Chicago native and actor known for his roles in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Bob’s Burgers” has pleaded guilty to involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Jay Johnston, 55, from Los Angeles, faces up to five years in prison after admitting to civil disorder. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols will sentence Johnston on October 7.
Johnston’s lawyer, Stanley Woodward, advised him not to speak to reporters after leaving the courtroom. Johnston was arrested last June and is among over 1,400 charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol attack.
The FBI claims video footage shows Johnston pushing against police and assisting rioters in a tunnel at the Lower West Terrace entrance of the Capitol. Johnston allegedly held a police shield over his head and passed it to other rioters. Video also reportedly shows him signaling for more rioters to come towards the entrance and participating in a coordinated push against officers.
Johnston has had roles in various TV shows and movies, including “Bob’s Burgers,” “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” “Arrested Development,” and “Anchorman.” He began his comedy career in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles.
Three associates identified Johnston from FBI-posted photos, and one provided a text message in which Johnston acknowledged being at the Capitol, describing the event as a “mess.”
The Justice Department has prosecuted over 1,200 criminal cases related to the January 6 attack, with more than 700 pleading guilty to various charges. A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the use of a federal obstruction statute, which could affect prosecutions of nearly 250 defendants charged with obstruction for their participation in the attack.
The government has recovered only a fraction of the court-ordered restitution for damage caused by the rioters. Former President Donald Trump has promised to pardon January 6 defendants but has not clarified if he would commute their restitution payments.