Famous Celebrity in Jail: Why Jay Johnston from “Bob’s Burgers” Was Arrested for Involvement in the January 6th Capital Riot
Friends knew him as Jay, and his audience knew him as a classic American television comedian. He has starred in various American TV favorites such as “Bob’s Burgers” and, ironically, “Arrested Development”. However, upon seeing his photo posted on the official FBI Twitter page, most would hardly recognize the angry, masked man filming himself as he pushed against police barricades on January 6th.
According to the New York Times, Jay Johnston, 54, was spotted by friends and associates in pictures among the attackers on January 6. He then surrendered to the FBI at its field office in LA last week, a day after the Justice Department issued a warrant for him.
Despite Johnston’s fame, the FBI had trouble identifying him at first, but many online detectives noted the pictures’ striking similarity to the actor, resulting in his quick arrest almost a year after that fateful day. The cause? For being seen carrying a stolen shield that belonged to U.S. Capitol Police and working with other rioters in trying to push law enforcement officials during the January 6th attacks. According to NPR news, his charges included civil disorder and unlawful entry into a restricted building.
“I’m no detective, but I do know Jay. He said he was there. And that’s him in the picture. So…” Cassandra Church, an actress who worked with Johnston on the show Harmontown, tweeted in response to the FBI’s post.
In the months since Johnston has fallen off the radar and been fired from his role as Jimmy Pesto in “Bob’s Burgers”. Since then, he has played the role of Allen in “Wing Dad” surprising many.
Mr. Johnston is among the more than 1,000 who have been charged in connection to the January 6th attacks and the possible thousand more who have yet to step foot in a courtroom. Justice must be served, and accountability must be upheld as society seeks to heal and move forward from the events of that fateful day.
Friends knew him as Jay, and his audience knew him as a classic American television comedian. He has starred in various American TV favorites such as “Bob’s Burgers” and, ironically, “Arrested Development”. However, upon seeing his photo posted on the official FBI Twitter page, most would hardly recognize the angry, masked man filming himself as he pushed against police barricades on January 6th.
According to the New York Times, Jay Johnston, 54, was spotted by friends and associates in pictures among the attackers on January 6. He then surrendered to the FBI at its field office in LA last week, a day after the Justice Department issued a warrant for him.
Despite Johnston’s fame, the FBI had trouble identifying him at first, but many online detectives noted the pictures’ striking similarity to the actor, resulting in his quick arrest almost a year after that fateful day. The cause? For being seen carrying a stolen shield that belonged to U.S. Capitol Police and working with other rioters in trying to push law enforcement officials during the January 6th attacks. According to NPR news, his charges included civil disorder and unlawful entry into a restricted building.
“I’m no detective, but I do know Jay. He said he was there. And that’s him in the picture. So…” Cassandra Church, an actress who worked with Johnston on the show Harmontown, tweeted in response to the FBI’s post.
In the months since Johnston has fallen off the radar and been fired from his role as Jimmy Pesto in “Bob’s Burgers”. Since then, he has played the role of Allen in “Wing Dad” surprising many.
Mr. Johnston is among the more than 1,000 who have been charged in connection to the January 6th attacks and the possible thousand more who have yet to step foot in a courtroom. Justice must be served, and accountability must be upheld as society seeks to heal and move forward from the events of that fateful day.
