WASHINGTON — An actor who played a street-brawling newsman in the movie “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and a pizzeria owner in the television series “Bob’s Burgers” pleaded guilty on Monday to interfering with police officers trying to protect the U.S. Capitol from a mob’s attack.
Jay Johnston, 55, of Los Angeles, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison after pleading guilty to civil disorder, a felony. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is scheduled to sentence Johnston on Oct. 7.
The estimated sentencing guidelines for Johnston recommend a prison term ranging from eight to 14 months, but the judge isn’t bound by that term of his plea agreement with prosecutors.
Johnston’s attorney, Stanley Woodward, told his client not to comment to reporters as they left the courtroom.
Johnston, who was arrested last June, is one of more than 1,400 people charged with federal crimes stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Video footage captured Johnston pushing against police and helping rioters who attacked officers guarding an entrance to the Capitol in a tunnel on the Lower West Terrace, according to an FBI agent’s affidavit. Johnston held a stolen police shield over his head and passed it to other rioters during the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, the affidavit says.
Johnston “was close to the entrance to the tunnel, turned back and signaled for other rioters to come towards the entrance,” the agent wrote.
Johnston was the voice of the character Jimmy Pesto on Fox’s “Bob’s Burgers.” The Daily Beast reported in 2021 that Johnston was “banned” from the animated show after the Capitol attack.
Johnston appeared on “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” an HBO sketch comedy series that starred Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. His credits also include small parts on the television show “Arrested Development” and in the movie “Anchorman,” starring Will Ferrell.
A court filing accompanying Johnston’s plea agreement says he used his cellphone to record rioters as they broke through barricades and sent police officers retreating. Facing the crowd on the Lower West Terrace, Johnston pounded his fist together and pointed. Another rioter handed him a bottle of water, which he used to help others flush out chemicals from their eyes.
After passing the stolen shield, Johnson joined other rioters in collectively pushing against police officers guarding the tunnel entrance. He left the tunnel minutes later, according to the agreement signed by Johnston.
Three current or former associates of Johnston identified him as a riot suspect from photos that the FBI published online, according to the agent. The FBI said one of those associates provided investigators with a text message in which Johnston acknowledged being at the Capitol on Jan. 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, according to the FBI.
Actor Jay Johnston, best known for his voice work on the popular animated series ‘Bob’s Burgers,’ has recently come under fire for his involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6th. Johnston admitted to obstructing police during the chaotic events that unfolded that day, sparking outrage and disbelief among fans and critics alike.
The actor, who has voiced various characters on ‘Bob’s Burgers’ since the show’s inception in 2011, was seen in videos and photos from the riot wearing a red hat and sunglasses, actively participating in the mob that stormed the Capitol building. In a statement released to the media, Johnston confessed to his actions and expressed regret for his role in the violent insurrection.
Johnston’s admission has led to a wave of backlash and condemnation from fans of ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and the entertainment industry as a whole. Many have called for his immediate removal from the show, citing his actions as a betrayal of the values and principles that the series espouses.
The actor’s involvement in the Capitol riot serves as a stark reminder of the impact that individuals in positions of influence can have on society. Johnston’s actions not only reflect poorly on himself but also tarnish the reputation of the show and its creators.
In response to the controversy, the producers of ‘Bob’s Burgers’ have issued a statement condemning Johnston’s actions and announcing that he will no longer be involved with the show. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the swift action taken by the producers and others expressing disappointment over the loss of a beloved character.
The incident involving Jay Johnston serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of participating in acts of violence and insurrection. It also highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or fame.
As the fallout from the Capitol riot continues to unfold, it is clear that Johnston’s admission will have lasting repercussions on his career and reputation. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the power of individual actions and the need for accountability in today’s society.
