An actor known for his roles in popular TV shows has been sentenced to a year and one day in prison for his involvement in the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Jay James Johnston, 55, pleaded guilty to one felony count of civil disorder after being accused of participating in the riot and filming the events on his cell phone.
Prosecutors revealed that Johnston was seen filming from the stage set up for Joe Biden's inauguration and briefly held a stolen police riot shield. He was also part of a group that pushed against police officers guarding an entrance to the Capitol building, leading to a Metropolitan Police Department Officer being crushed in the chaos.
The Justice Department had requested an 18-month prison sentence, citing Johnston's lack of remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions. Despite downplaying the events in text messages shortly after January 6, Johnston's attorney argued for a lighter sentence, claiming that his client's role had been exaggerated due to his status as a well-known actor.
In addition to the prison term, Johnston was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. The case highlights the ongoing legal repercussions faced by individuals involved in the Capitol riot, as authorities continue to hold those responsible for the violence and destruction that occurred on that day.
