Actor Jay Johnston, known for his roles in Arrested Development and Bob’s Burgers, has been arrested in California in connection with the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol. Court documents allege that Johnston poured water on the faces of rioters who had been pepper sprayed by law enforcement and carried a stolen shield belonging to the US Capitol Police. He also participated in pushing against law enforcement officials, As stated by the documents. Johnston faces charges of obstructing officers during civil disorder, which is a felony, as well as several misdemeanor charges. He is among the more than 1,000 people charged in relation to the insurrection.
As stated by NPR, actor Jay Johnston, known for his roles in Arrested Development and Bob’s Burgers, was arrested in California on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
Court documents reveal that Johnston, 54, is accused of pouring water on the faces of rioters who had been pepper-sprayed by law enforcement and carrying a stolen shield that belonged to U.S. Capitol Police. Video and photo footage also allegedly show Johnston participating with other rioters in trying to push law enforcement officials.
The documents state, “Several members of the crowd joined together to push against police in a concerted movement. Johnston participated in this concerted movement and pushed along with other rioters for several seconds.”
The FBI posted pictures of Johnston and other rioters on January 6, asking for help with identification. In March 2021, an attorney contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center, claiming to represent Johnston. The FBI interviewed three of Johnston’s associates, who all identified him in the photographs. One associate provided a text message in which Johnston acknowledged being at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, stating, “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.”
Airline records show that Johnston reserved a flight from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. on January 4 and returned on January 7.
Johnston now faces charges of obstructing officers during civil disorder, a felony, as well as several misdemeanor charges, including unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds. He is one of over 1,000 people who have been charged in connection to the deadly insurrection that occurred over two years ago.
The events of January 6, 2021, were a dark moment in American history, as supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The riot resulted in the deaths of five people, including a Capitol Police officer.
The Department of Justice has been aggressively pursuing charges against those involved in the insurrection, and the investigation is ongoing. Many of the rioters have been identified through video and photo footage, and the FBI has received thousands of tips from the public.
The arrest of Jay Johnston serves as a reminder that those who participated in the insurrection will be held accountable for their actions. The rule of law must prevail, and justice must be served for the sake of our democracy.
