Popular Hollywood actor Jay Johnston has been arrested by the FBI in connection with his alleged involvement in the events of the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Johnston, known for his contributions to the alternative comedy scene, has had a successful career in the entertainment industry.
He gained recognition for his work on HBO’s Mr. Show and as the voice of a pizzeria owner on Fox’s Bob’s Burgers. The Department of Justice has filed four charges against Johnston, who was apprehended in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The charges include civil disorder, unlawfully entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct within a restricted building or grounds, and obstructing passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.
The FBI stated that they have interviewed three individuals associated with Johnston, past or present, all of whom identified him as the person depicted in the photographs labeled 247-AFO. Additionally, one of these associates provided the FBI with a text message where Johnston acknowledged his presence at the Capitol on January 6, expressing that while the news portrayed it as an attack, he considered it chaotic and far from fantastic as he personally experienced being maced and tear-gassed.
Originally from Chicago, Johnston is known for his appearances on The Sarah Silverman Program, portraying Officer Jay McPherson on Comedy Central from 2007 to 2010, as well as his recurring role on Arrested Development. He has also made appearances in the Netflix series Love and the film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
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
NEW: Jay Johnston — of Mr. Show, Arrested Development, The Sarah Silverman Show, Bob's Burger's, and Anchorman fame — has been arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. https://t.co/HdHbVwISOk
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) June 7, 2023
‘Bob’s Burgers’ Star Jay Johnston Charged by DOJ for Storming U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 https://t.co/HkjCImlQ54
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 7, 2023