‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor Jay Johnston pleads guilty to civil disorder at Capitol riot

Jay Johnston, an actor best known for his voice role on Bob’s Burgers, has pleaded guilty to charges relating to storming the US Capitol in January 2021.

At the time, the United States Capitol was placed under lockdown as thousands of Donald Trump supporters clashed with police.

Trump’s supporters stormed Capitol Hill to protest the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory in Congress, which resulted in the complex being locked down and nearby office buildings having to be evacuated.

Johnston, 54, faces a maximum of five years in prison after pleading guilty to a count of civil disorder. He was released on a $25,000 (£19,000) bond in June 2023 after his first court appearance in California.

As per the Guardian, Johnston was also charged with “felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder, unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds, and impeding passage through Capitol grounds.”

Court documents seen by the publication allege Johnston joined a mob of protesters who attacked police. The documents state that Johnston “was close to the entrance to the tunnel, turned back and signalled for other rioters to come towards the entrance”.

He also seemingly confirmed his role in the Capitol riot, allegedly sending a text message that stated it “wasn’t” an attack but that it “kind of turned into that.”

Johnston has reportedly been identified from photos of suspects that the FBI published online. The FBI also said that one of his associates provided them with text messages that Johnston confirmed being at the Capitol on January 6 2021.

As well as Bob’s Burgers, Johnston has appeared on HBO’s Mr Show and had a small role in Arrested Development.

US district judge Carl Nichols will sentence Johnston on October 7.

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