A Los Angeles-based actor and comedian known for roles on “Bob’s Burger’s” and “Arrested Development” is facing charges for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.
Jay Johnston, 54, faces charges including civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disruptive or disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings, according to a federal affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Johnston was in a crowd of rioters who gathered on the West Plaza of the Capitol building and chased police officers into the Lower West Terrace tunnel.
There, Johnston was found to have been handed a stolen U.S. Capitol police riot shield, and helped other rioters rush a group of police attempting to clear the tunnel.
CCTV camera footage captured Johnston at the tunnel, where he helped rioters recover from injuries and push through the crowd while shouting “Heave! Ho!”
The investigation is one of thousands completed by the FBI, using social media videos and images taken during the event. More than 1,000 people have been charged for crimes related to the riot.
Johnston voiced the character of Jimmy Pesto Senior in several episodes of “Bob’s Burgers” before he was allegedly fired from the show because of his involvement in the riots, according to reporting from the Daily Beast.