This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
DOJ Charges 'Arrested Development' Actor Jay Johnston For Involvement In Jan. 6 Riot
Jay Johnston is identified as AFO #247 on photos investigators distributed seeking information about alleged participants in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
(
Courtesy U.S. Department of Justice
)
Jay Johnston, an actor who appeared in such shows as Arrested Development and Bob's Burgers was arrested in California Wednesday, and faces charges in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
According to court documents, Johnston, 54 of Los Angeles, allegedly helped pour water on the faces of rioters who had been pepper sprayed by law enforcement and was seen carrying a stolen shield that belonged to U.S. Capitol Police. The documents, which reference video and photo footage, say Johnston participated with other rioters in trying to push law enforcement officials.
"Several members of the crowd joined together to push against police in a concerted movement. Johnston participated in this concerted movement and pushed along with other rioters for several seconds," the document states.
After the insurrection, the FBI posted pictures of Johnston, as well as many other rioters, on Jan. 6, asking for help with identification. The documents say that in March 2021, an attorney contacted the FBI's National Threat Operations Center and said they represented Johnston. The FBI says they interviewed three associates of Johnston who all identified him in the photographs the FBI posted.
One associate, the FBI says, provided a text message in which Johnston acknowledged being at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The text read, "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."
Airline records also show that Johnston reserved a flight that departed Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 4 and returned on Jan. 7.
Sponsored message
The actor faces charges of obstructing officers during civil disorder, which is a felony. He also faces several misdemeanor charges, including unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds. He is among the more than 1,000 people prosecutors have charged in relation to the deadly insurrection that took place more than two years ago.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
