American comic actor Jay Johnston, known for his roles in "Anchorman" and "Arrested Development," is facing a potential five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to interfering with police officers during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
Johnston, who also voiced the character Jimmy Pesto in the animated sitcom "Bob's Burgers," is among over 1,400 individuals charged in connection with the violent events in Washington, DC. Video evidence shows the 55-year-old actor pushing against police and assisting rioters at the Lower West tunnel entrance to the Capitol.
An FBI agent's affidavit details Johnston's actions during the riot, stating that he was near the tunnel entrance and signaled for other rioters to advance. The affidavit also notes that Johnston held a stolen police shield over his head and passed it to fellow rioters.
The January 6 attack aimed to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, transitioning power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden.
Court documents accompanying Johnston's plea agreement reveal that he used his mobile phone to record the rioters breaking through barricades and forcing police officers to retreat. The FBI identified Johnston as a suspect after three current or former associates recognized him from photos published online. One associate provided a text message in which Johnston admitted to being at the Capitol during the riots. "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.
Johnston, who was arrested in June of last year, has pleaded guilty to civil disorder and is scheduled for sentencing on October 7.
No comments:
Post a Comment