Bob's Burgers actor Jay Johnston pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges

Jay Johnston, a comedian and actor renowned for his work on the animated series Bob's Burgers, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. On Monday, Johnston admitted to a single count of obstructing officers during a civil disorder. His sentencing is scheduled for October, and he faces up to five years in federal prison.

Johnston, 55, has had a prolific career in Hollywood since the mid-1990s. He wrote and acted in all four seasons of HBO's Mr. Show with Bob and David, starred in Comedy Central's The Sarah Silverman Program, and had a recurring role on Fox's Arrested Development. The Illinois native has also appeared in films such as Anchorman and Men in Black II.

The FBI identified Johnston as a participant in the Capitol riot from a social media post in March 2021. Authorities reported that he "participated with other rioters in a group assault" on police officers and "helped carry a stolen police riot shield out." Court documents reveal that Johnston admitted to an acquaintance via text message that he had been at the riot, stating, “The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn’t. Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed and I found it quite untastic.”

Amid these allegations, Johnston was dismissed from Bob's Burgers in December 2021, where he voiced the character Jimmy Pesto. The character was recast in 2023 for the show's 14th and final season.

Johnston was arrested in California last summer and initially faced four charges. His plea agreement saw him admit to a single civil disorder charge while the other three charges were dropped. His sentencing hearing is set for October 7.

According to the Justice Department, nearly 1,500 people have been charged concerning the events of January 6, 2021, with over 800 pleading guilty to various federal charges, ranging from assaulting law enforcement to seditious conspiracy.