comedic actor Jay Johnston was arrested by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riots.
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Johnston was indicted by the Justice Department on four counts for his presence at the Capitol. Johnston was arrested Wednesday for charges including rioting, entering or staying in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a restricted building.
The report goes on to mention that according to FBI flight records, Johnston flew from Los Angeles to Washington, DC on January 4th. He returned three days later, on January 7th.
“The FBI interviewed three current or former Johnston employees, all of whom identified Johnston as the person in the above photos by 247-AFO,” the official criminal complaint reads. “One of those employees sent the FBI a text message in which Johnston admitted to being at the Capitol on January 6 and stated, ‘The news portrayed it as an attack.’ Actually it wasn’t. Thought it kind of turned out that way. It was a disaster. I was treated to batons and tear gas and found it quite unsatisfactory.’”
Johnston’s appearance at the Jan. 6 riots went viral when his photos were released by the officer FBI Twitter account. The tweet itself requested information about people who took part in the riots; Fans were quick to point out Johnston in both photos.
Johnston is best known for his roles in various hit comedy shows. This includes writing and starring in the sketch comedy series Mr. Show”. Johnston has also appeared in numerous other popular comedies, including The Sarah Silverman Program and Arrested Development. He also played the role of Jimmy Pesto in the popular animated comedy Bob’s Burgers.