Actor Jay Johnston Arrested and Charged in Connection with U.S. Capitol Attack

A Hollywood actor who appeared on several popular television shows has been arrested in California and charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Jay Johnston, who is known for his roles in “Mr. Show,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Arrested Development,” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” was arrested Wednesday in Los Angeles.

According to a signed arrest warrant, Johnston faces charges of felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder as well as several misdemeanor offenses. Social media users had pointed out his resemblance to an individual in the FBI’s “photo 247” in the weeks following the attack.

The Daily Beast reported in December 2021 that Johnston had said he was at the Jan. 6 protest, citing two sources on the set of a film Johnston was working on. The Beast also reported that Johnston had been banned from “Bob’s Burgers,” and a Long Island funeral home confirmed that Johnston had attended a memorial service for a friend who died in the Capitol attack.

Johnston is one of hundreds of Jan. 6 participants identified by online sleuths who have not yet been arrested. He is currently being held in Los Angeles and is expected to appear in court soon. It is unclear at this time if he will be extradited to Washington, D.C. to face charges.