An actor known for his roles in popular TV comedies has been sentenced to prison for his participation in the Capitol riot nearly four years ago.
On Monday, Jay Johnston, who starred in "Bob's Burgers" and "Arrested Development," received a one-year prison sentence for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
According to The Independent, Johnston was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol, obstructing police officers in their duties. Johnston, 56, from Los Angeles, was seen in videos and photographs engaging with other rioters and using a cellphone to record the chaos. Prosecutors highlighted his actions, noting that he participated in a "heave ho" push against the police guarding a tunnel entrance to the Capitol.
Johnston pleaded guilty in July to interfering with police officers during a civil disorder. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Prosecutors recommended an 18-month sentence, citing his conduct and the severity of the crime.
During his sentencing hearing, Johnston expressed remorse for his actions. He told U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols that he regretted making the police's job more difficult and acknowledged his ignorance of the political climate leading up to the riot. He stated:
I never would have guessed that a riot would erupt that day. That was because of my own ignorance, I believe. If I had been more political, I could have seen that coming, perhaps.
Despite his remorse, Judge Nichols sentenced Johnston to one year and one day in prison. The judge acknowledged that Johnston would miss caring for his 13-year-old autistic daughter but emphasized the severity of his actions.
Prosecutors also pointed out that Johnston had joked about his participation in the riot, including dressing up as Jacob Chansley, the "QAnon Shaman," at a Halloween party two years after the incident. This behavior was seen as undermining the seriousness of his crime.
Johnston's career has taken a significant hit since the riot. He was fired from "Bob's Burgers" by the show's creator and lost a role in a movie based on the series. His defense attorney, Stanley Woodward, stated that Johnston has essentially been blacklisted in Hollywood and has been working as a handyman for the past two years.
Woodward argued that the government exaggerated Johnston’s role in the riot because of his status as a well-known actor. However, the court upheld the sentence, recognizing the gravity of the crime.
Johnston attended former President Donald Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House on Jan. 6 before marching to the Capitol. He used a metal bike rack to scale a stone wall and made his way to the mouth of a tunnel entrance that police were guarding.
Inside the tunnel, Johnston helped other rioters flush chemical irritants out of their eyes and handed a stolen police shield closer to the police line. He also joined in a collective push against the police, which crushed an officer against a door frame.
FBI agents seized Johnston's cellphone during a search of his California home in June 2021. The phone contained evidence of his participation in the riot, including videos and text messages.
The sentencing of Jay Johnston underscores the ongoing legal proceedings related to the Capitol riot. As more individuals face justice for their roles in the attack, the impact on their lives and careers becomes increasingly clear. For Johnston, the one-year prison sentence marks a significant turning point in his life and a stark contrast to his previous success in the entertainment industry. Johnston's case also raises questions about the balance between personal responsibility and the broader societal influences that may have contributed to the riot.
