‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor Jay Johnston to plead guilty in Capitol riot trial
Bob’s Burgers actor Jay Johnston reportedly plans to plead guilty for his involvement in the January 6 US Capitol riot.
On January 6, 2021, the US Capitol Building in Washington D.C. was attacked by a mob of Donald Trump supporters, seeking to keep the then-President in power following his defeat at the 2020 election.
Nine deaths have been attributed to the event, and 174 police officers were injured. More than 1,450 people have been charged in connection with the riot.
According to the court docket (via Consequence), Johnston, who plays Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the animated series, will plead guilty on July 8. The actor, also known for his minor role in the 2004 comedy Anchorman, was arrested and charged in June 2023 with felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder, as well as other misdemeanor offences.
NBC reporter Ryan J. Reilly posted on X about the actor’s part in Anchorman, in which he partakes in a brawl between rival news teams. Reilly wrote: “The only man known to have participated in both the News Fight in Anchorman (2004) and the Jan. 5 attack on the Capitol (2021) plans to plead guilty on July 8, per court docket.”
The #FBI is still seeking information on people who took part in the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you know this individual, visit https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. Refer to photo 247 in your tip. pic.twitter.com/CetMHzU190
— FBI (@FBI) March 4, 2021
Back in March 2021, the FBI tweeted a photo of him requesting information to help identify him. According to Consequence, Johnston was alleged to have led a group of rioters toward the “front line of rioters confronting the police who were defending the entrance” to the Capitol.
Internet sleuths recognised him from his various roles in US sitcoms including Arrested Development, Parks And Recreation and Modern Family, and identified him, leading to his dismissal from Bob’s Burgers in December 2021.
He has not appeared in any films or television shows since the January 6 incident.
Meanwhile, last April, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin announced that he is working on a follow-up to The Social Network, which will be based on the January 6 riots.
In other news, earlier this month Trump called Taylor Swift “unusually beautiful” and questioned whether her political views are “an act”.
“It surprises me that a country star can be successful being liberal,” he said.
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Alex Berry
NME
