Actor Jay Johnston Sentenced for Role in Capitol Attack

Actor Jay Johnston, known for his role as Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the animated show Bob's Burgers and his appearance in Anchorman, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for his participation in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The 56-year-old actor was arrested by the FBI in June after he was identified in footage recorded by other rioters. He pleaded guilty in July to interfering with law enforcement during the insurrection.

Johnston was initially facing up to five years in prison, but prosecutors recommended an 18-month sentence due to his dismissive behavior following the events. They cited a 2022 Halloween party photo of Johnston dressed as the infamous QAnon Shaman (Jacob Chansley), suggesting that he made light of the serious situation.

At his sentencing, Johnston expressed remorse, admitting his ignorance and acknowledging that he had made it harder for the police to do their jobs. He claimed he never expected a riot to break out and regretted his involvement. His prison start date is still pending.

The prosecution detailed Johnston’s direct involvement in violent clashes with police at the Lower West Plaza during the riot. Johnston filmed the events on his cell phone and, after receiving a stolen Capitol Police riot shield, participated in creating a shield wall that forced officers to retreat.

Videos shown in court revealed Johnston using a bike rack to scale a Capitol wall, wielding a Donald Trump sign as a weapon, and joking about attacking police officers with other rioters. Despite this clear involvement, Johnston later downplayed the riot, claiming in messages to friends and family that the media had exaggerated the events and suggesting the attack was a setup involving Antifa.

The Capitol attack led to several fatalities, including the deaths of rioter Ashli Babbitt and Officer Brian Sicknick, who succumbed to strokes after being assaulted. Four other officers took their own lives in the aftermath of the attack. Johnston is also known for his roles on shows like Arrested Development and The Sarah Silverman Program, where he portrayed police officers.