Actor Jay Johnston has been arrested for rioting on January 6 after cyber sleuths identified the “Bob’s Burgers” star in “attacking cop with stolen shield.”
- Jay Johnston, 53, voiced the character Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the Fox series
- He was arrested and charged in Los Angeles on Wednesday
- The actor was “banned” from Bob’s Burgers last year after the FBI shared photos of the actor at the Capitol riots
A voice actor for Bob’s Burgers was arrested in Los Angeles for taking part in the Jan. 6 US Capitol riots after being identified by internet detectives.
Jay Johnston, who portrayed the voice of Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the Fox series, was charged today with obstructing officers during a riot.
According to an FBI affidavit, the footage shows the 53-year-old rushing through police officers and handing a stolen riot shield over the head of fellow rioters during the 2021 Capitol Siege.
The charges against Johnston come after the FBI posted photos to Twitter more than two years ago showing him taking part in the riots and asking the public for information on his identity.
One user even commented on the post, saying, “I know it’s not him, but this guy looks like Jay Johnston from Mr. Show with Bob and David.”
Jay Johnston of Bob’s Burgers was arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riots
In March 2021, the FBI released two images of the actor wearing a green leather jacket and camouflage neck gaiter, asking the public for help in identifying him
According to the FBI, this image shows Johnston holding a stolen police shield during the riots
Another user replied, “He is.”
Johnston is accused of “helping at least three other rioters by throwing water in the rioters’ faces”.
According to a criminal complaint, the actor was photographed at the Capitol’s upper west tunnel, where police say most of the violent attacks by rioters took place.
Johnston was one of hundreds of people present at the riots who were identified by online detectives after authorities began posting pictures of people who took part in the riot.
In March 2021, the FBI released two images of the actor wearing a green leather jacket and camouflage neck gaiter, asking the public for help in identifying him.
Although his presence at the riots has not been officially confirmed, many observers pointed out the resemblance to the actor at the time.
“Oh man this breaks my heart.” “Jay Johnston is one of my favorite MrShow cast members,” wrote one user. “Ironically, he once played an insurgent on TV!”
Cassandra Church, an actress who has worked with Johnston, tweeted, “I’m no detective but I know Jay.” He said he was there. And that’s him in the picture.’
Another former co-star, Spencer Crittenden, said in a deleted tweet that Johnston “was an avid Trump supporter and was there at the time.”
The FBI said an attorney for Johnston contacted the National Threat Operations Center on March 8, 2021.
Prosecutors say the picture above shows the moment Johnston handed a bottle of water to a rioter
Johnston, who voiced the character Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the Fox series, was “banned” from the series more than a year ago.
Johnston’s arrest comes more than a year after he was “banned” from the hit animated series Bob’s Burgers for his alleged involvement in the riots.
The Daily Beast reported in December 2021 that he was fired after people said they knew Johnston was actually present at the riots.
The comedian previously worked on the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David and starred in The Sarah Silverman Program.
He also appeared in Arrested Development and the film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
The Jan. 6 Capitol riots occurred as Congress worked to count Electoral College ballots and confirm Joe Biden’s presidential victory.
The siege followed a rally near the White House earlier in the day, where Trump called on his supporters to march to the Capitol while repeating in a speech false claims that widespread voter fraud stole his election.
Four people died on the day of the riot, and a Capitol police officer died the next day from injuries sustained while defending Congress. Hundreds of police officers were injured in the scuffle that lasted several hours, and four officers have since taken their lives.
More than 1,000 people have been arrested since the attack and more arrests are expected.