‘Bob’s Burgers’ Actor Jay Johnston Sentenced to One Year for Role in Capitol Riot

Jay Johnston, an actor known for his roles in Bob’s Burgers, Anchorman, and Arrested Development, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Johnston, 56, admitted to obstructing police officers during the riot and acknowledged that his actions made it harder for law enforcement to control the violent crowd.

Prosecutors detailed how Johnston joined rioters in the Capitol’s lower west tunnel, where some of the most violent confrontations occurred. He helped other rioters rinse their eyes after being sprayed with chemical agents, used a stolen police shield to form a barrier, and participated in a group “heave-ho” effort that pinned Officer Daniel Hodges against a door frame. Johnston also filmed the chaos on his phone, joking with other rioters as they pushed against police lines.

Despite his participation, Johnston initially dismissed the severity of the attack, telling friends and family the events were exaggerated by the media and suggesting they were a setup by police and Antifa.

The sentencing judge acknowledged Johnston’s role in caring for his autistic daughter but called his actions on January 6 “reprehensible.” Johnston will be allowed to self-surrender to begin his prison sentence.

Federal prosecutors had sought an 18-month sentence, arguing that Johnston showed little remorse. They referenced a photo of him from a 2023 Halloween party, where he dressed as the “QAnon Shaman,” a prominent figure from the riot, suggesting he treated the attack as a joke.

Johnston’s involvement in the riot has devastated his Hollywood career. He lost his role as Jimmy Pesto Sr. in Bob’s Burgers and has struggled to find work, with his lawyer stating that Johnston has been “effectively blacklisted” and working as a handyman since the incident.

The January 6 Capitol attack has led to the arrests of over 1,500 individuals, with more than 1,000 convictions. Around 650 of those sentenced have received prison terms, ranging from a few days to 22 years.