The famous actor and comedian from America, Jay Johnston who is well-known for appearing in Bob’s Burgers has recently been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the 06th January United States Capitol riots. When the pictures related to the riots surfaced on the internet, it showed that he was one of the thousand people who broke into the Capitol building causing massive nuisance. The decision of Jay Johnston’s sentence is a crucial decision because it shows that the 06th January Capitol riots have affected many people.
Jay Johnston’s Involvement In US Capitol Riots Sends Him to Prison
The cast member and writer of Mr. Show with Bob and David has recently been sent to federal prison for his involvement in the 06th January United States Capitol riots. The time period for which he has been sentenced is one year and a day. Further, the Arrested Development actor pleaded his guilt in front of a jury. He accepted all the charges against him and pleaded that he was guilty of the felony count of interfering with the police officials and law enforcement officers who were stopping the protestors and the crowd from entering and destroying the US Capitol Building. It was revealed that the mob was filled with Trump’s supporters.
The prosecutors who filed the case against Johnston wanted a longer prison sentence for him but the lawyer who was fighting the case in favor of the Bob’s Burgers actor stated in the court that the government of the United States had just exaggerated Johnston’s role in the riots.
Before he was sentenced for his involvement in the 06th January riots, it was reported that he addressed a court in Washington DC and mentioned that his actions in the attack were reprehensible. He also stated that his actions were very wrong and that others should surely disapprove. Johnston also mentioned that his actions made it very difficult for the police to do their job and he had no idea that the riot would erupt that day.
Carl Nichols, a United States district judge, stated that the actions done by the actor were very confusing and concerning because he has a very successful career in the entertainment industry. Also, he mentioned that because he is a very famous actor, his choice to get involved in this serious incident is very hard to understand. Further, by the CCTV footage that was retrieved, the court noted that the actor was involved with the other rioters and participated in a group assault against the police officers present on the scene.
The police officers were protecting the entrance of the Capitol Building when the protesters along with Jay Johnston attacked them. He also helped in carrying out a police riot shield that was stolen. The authorities said that due to this, one police official got injured at the western entrance.
The prosecutors, who were fighting the case against Johnston stated in the court that he was not guilty of his actions and clearly understood and took part in the violence that the rioters used that day. In addition to this, the prosecutors revealed that some days after the US Capitol riots, the actor sent messages to his family members and close friends and stated that his involvement in the riots had just been exaggerated by media persons.
In the sentencing memorandum, the lawyer of the actor, Stanley Woodward wrote that his client had been targeted without any cause because he is a famous Hollywood actor. In addition to this, he also wrote that the federal government is using his position to make this a public issue. Stanley Woodward also argued in a court of law that the actor had been banned from Hollywood and for the past two years, he has been working as a handyman which is very different from his usual film and TV career.
In December 2021, after being confirmed as a possible rioter, Jay Johnston was fired from the TV series Bob’s Burgers in which he played a voice role. Along with the actor, almost 1500 people have been charged with their involvement in the 06th January 2021 US Capitol Riots. Further, nearly 900 people pleaded their guilt to the charges made against them with regard to the various crimes such as felonies.
In connection to his, Donald Trump, the US presidential candidate has stated that if he wins the elections this time he will grant pardons for some or all of the rioters. Further, he also mentioned that all these rioters are caught as hostages by the federal government and are political prisoners. As of now, there is no information with regard to who he will release and how he will make his choice.
Carl Nicols, the judge who sentenced the actor to prison has also mentioned that Johnston will stay free after the hearing until they set an official date for him to start his sentence. He further stated the actor would miss being able to care for his daughter who has autism.
