‘Bob’s Burgers’ Actor Jay Johnston Sentenced to Prison for Role in January 6 Riots – National
Actor Jay Johnstonof Bob’s Burgers And Presenter: The Legend of Ron Burgundy fame, headed to prison for his role in Riot of January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol.
On Monday, Johnston, 56, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison. The decision came nearly four months after the actor pleaded guilty to interfering with police officers on duty the day of the riot.
His lawyer told a federal judge that he has been “blacklisted” from Hollywood since the riot.
Jay Johnston approaches the West Lower Terrace Tunnel on January 6, 2021.
US Department of Justice
“It’s a humiliation and a horrible oversight,” Johnston told U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols about his participation in the riot.
He regretted having “made the work of the police more difficult” on January 6. He said he never imagined a riot would break out that day.
“It was because of my own ignorance, I believe,” he told Nichols. “If I had been more political, maybe I could have seen this coming.”
The judge allowed him to remain free after the hearing and to report to jail on a date to be determined. Nichols said he recognizes that Johnston won’t be able to care for his 13-year-old autistic daughter while he’s behind bars.
“But his conduct on January 6 was quite problematic. Truly reprehensible,” the judge said.
Johnston, who is best known for voicing pizzeria owner Jimmy Pesto in the animated film Bob’s Burgerswas arrested last year and charged with one count of civil disorder. He was accused of confronting police officers while they were part of a crowd of Donald Trump supporters, many of whom illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building.
On January 6, 2021, Johnston was photographed among a crowd of rioters gathered in the Lower West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol building, near an area known as the “Tunnel,” according to an earlier press release from the Office of the President. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. .
Jay Johnston holding a Capitol Police shield in the West Lower Terrace Tunnel on January 6, 2021.
US Department of Justice
The authority said the area saw “some of the most violent attacks” on law enforcement during the riot.
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Johnston, who filmed much of the riot on his cell phonestood behind a row of police barricades in the tunnel.
For 40 minutes, rioters attempted to remove the barricades and move closer to the Capitol building.
Johnston was seen facing the crowd of rioters as he pounded his fists and pointed fingers.
Another person in the crowd handed him a riot shield stolen by U.S. Capitol Police. As some rioters called for “a wall of shields,” Johnston held the shield in front of him for a few moments before handing it over.
This image from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department shows actor Jay Johnston, outlined in yellow, at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington.
Department of Justice via AP
As Johnston and others continued to move toward the police line in the tunnel, court documents say a Metropolitan Police officer was crushed between the crowd and a door.
The police were eventually forced to retreat.
Shortly afterwards, Johnston left the tunnel. He did not enter the Capitol building with other rioters.
On Monday, prosecutors recommended an 18-month prison sentence for Johnston. Their sentencing memo includes a photograph of a smiling Johnston dressed as Jacob Chansley, the spear-wielding Capitol rioter known as the “QAnon Shaman,” at a Halloween party about two years after the siege.
“He believes his participation in one of the most serious crimes against our democracy is a joke,” prosecutors wrote.
Before his arrest, Johnston was among 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 Johnston’s personal contacts, federal agents were able to make the arrest.
More than 1,500 people have been charged Federal crimes related to the Capitol riots. More than 1,000 rioters were convicted and sentenced. Around 650 of them were sentenced to prison terms ranging from a few days to 22 years.
Johnston is no longer the voice of Jimmy Pesto in Bob’s Burgers. Canadian-American voice actor Eric Bauza has since taken on the role.
Johnston’s acting credits also include the television shows Arrested development, Mr. Show with Bob and David, You better call Saul And The Sarah Silverman Program.
— with files from Global News and The Associated Press
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
