‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor Jay Johnston pleads guilty to Jan. 6 riots – National
Actor Jay Johnstonof Bob’s Hamburgers And Featured Presenter: The Legend of Ron Burgundy celebrity, pleaded guilty Monday to interfering with police officers on duty during the January 6th Riots at the United States Capitol in 2021.
Johnston, who is best known for voicing pizzeria owner Jimmy Pesto in the animated series Bob’s Hamburgerswas arrested last year and charged with one count of civil disorder. He was accused of confronting police officers as part of a mob of Donald Trump supporters, many of whom illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building.
The 55-year-old actor now faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, although the recommended term ranges from eight to 14 months.
On January 6, 2021, Johnston was photographed among a crowd of rioters gathered in the Lower West Plaza of the United States Capitol, near an area known as “the Tunnel,” according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
This image from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department shows actor Jay Johnston, circled in yellow, at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington.
Justice Department via AP
Authorities said the area was the scene of “some of the most violent attacks” on law enforcement during the riot.
Johnston, who filmed much of the riot on his cellphone, stood behind a row of police barricades in the tunnel.
For 40 minutes, rioters attempted to remove the barricades and move closer to the Capitol.
Jay Johnston and others present on January 6 built a “shield wall” to protect rioters from Capitol Police.
United States Department of Justice
Johnston was seen facing the crowd of rioters while pumping his fists and pointing his fingers.
Another member of the crowd handed him a riot shield stolen by U.S. Capitol Police. As some rioters shouted “build a shield wall,” Johnston held the shield in front of him for a few moments before handing it back to them.
Jay Johnston holding a Capitol Police shield in the Lower West Terrace Tunnel on January 6, 2021.
United States Department of Justice
“Johnston then joined a group effort against the police line by pushing against the rioters in front of him, who in turn pushed directly against the police,” the press release reads.
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As Johnston and others continued toward the police line in the tunnel, court documents say a Metropolitan Police Department officer was crushed between the crowd and a door.
The police were eventually forced to retreat.
Shortly after, Johnston left the tunnel. He did not enter the Capitol building with other rioters.
Johnston, a Los Angeles native, will be sentenced Oct. 7.
He has not publicly commented on the charges or his guilty plea.
Before his arrest, Johnston was one of hundreds of people wanted by the FBI in connection with the riot. With the help of social media users who recognized Johnston from his numerous television appearances, as well as his personal contacts, federal agents were able to make the arrest.
More than 1,450 people in nearly all 50 states have been charged with federal crimes for their behavior at the Capitol on January 6. More than 500 of them have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven days to 18 years. According to a review of court records by The Associated Press.
The federal investigation is ongoing.
Johnston is no longer the voice of Jimmy Pesto on Bob’s Hamburgers. Canadian-American voice actor Eric Bauza has since taken over the role.
Johnston’s acting credits also include the television shows Development Arrested, Mr. Show with Bob and David, You better call Saul And The Sarah Silverman Program.
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