In an ongoing effort to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the January 6 Capitol breach, a California man, Jay James Johnston, has been arrested on felony charges. Johnston is accused of participating in the violent confrontation with law enforcement officers in the Lower West Terrace tunnel. According to court documents, he was seen wielding a stolen U.S. Capitol police riot shield and actively engaging in a group push against the police. More than 1,000 individuals have been charged across all 50 states for crimes related to the breach, illustrating the extensive investigation into the events that unfolded that day.
Overview
This article provides an in-depth look at the arrest of a California man on felony charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The man, Jay James Johnston, is accused of interfering with law enforcement officers, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct, and impeding passage through Capitol grounds. This comprehensive article examines the details of the charges, the suspect’s identity and surrender, the initial appearance and location, the incident timeline, and the prosecuting authorities and investigating agencies involved in the case. The article also discusses the scope of the investigation and provides contact information for tips and information related to the case.
Arrest of California Man
Charge for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
A California man, Jay James Johnston, has been arrested on felony charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Johnston’s actions, along with others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
Details of the Charges
Interfering with Law Enforcement Officers
Johnston is charged with interfering with law enforcement officers in relation to and during a civil disorder. The charge stems from his alleged actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol, where he is accused of obstructing the duties of law enforcement officers.
Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds
Another charge against Johnston is entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. This charge relates to his alleged unlawful entry and continued presence in the U.S. Capitol building during the breach.
Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds
Johnston is also charged with disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. This charge is based on his alleged participation in disruptive behavior that caused a disturbance in the U.S. Capitol during the breach.
Impeding Passage Through Capitol Grounds
The final charge against Johnston is impeding passage through Capitol grounds. This charge is related to his alleged actions that obstructed the movement of individuals within the U.S. Capitol grounds during the breach.
Suspect’s Identity and Surrender
Jay James Johnston, Age 54, of Los Angeles, California
Surrendered to the FBI Los Angeles Field Office
The suspect in this case is Jay James Johnston, a 54-year-old resident of Los Angeles, California. Johnston surrendered himself to the FBI Los Angeles field office. By voluntarily surrendering, he demonstrated his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
Initial Appearance and Location
Expected Appearance in the Central District of California
Johnston is expected to make his initial appearance in the Central District of California. This appearance will mark the beginning of his legal proceedings and provide an opportunity for the court to inform him of the charges against him and for Johnston to enter a plea.
Incident Timeline
January 6, 2021
The incident in question occurred on January 6, 2021, when a mob gathered on the West Plaza of the United States Capitol Building.
Mob on the West Plaza
Johnston was near the front of the mob that had illegally assembled on the West Plaza of the Capitol Building. The mob’s actions disrupted the functioning of the Capitol and endangered the safety of individuals present.
Pursuing Police to the Lower West Terrace
After the police on the West Plaza were forced to retreat, Johnston, along with others, pursued the police to the Lower West Terrace. This pursuit demonstrated the aggressive and confrontational nature of the mob.
Entry into the Tunnel
Johnston, at approximately 3:05 p.m., entered the tunnel that leads into the Capitol Building. The tunnel was the site of a confrontation between the mob and law enforcement officers who were attempting to protect the entrance to the U.S. Capitol.
Use of Stolen U.S. Capitol Police Riot Shield
While inside the tunnel, Johnston was handed a stolen U.S. Capitol Police riot shield by other rioters. This act shows his active involvement in the disturbances and his intent to aid in the mob’s actions.
Participation in Group Push Efforts
Johnston actively participated in group push efforts against the police inside the tunnel. His actions contributed to the aggressive and forceful nature of the mob’s behavior.
Exit from the Tunnel
Johnston left the tunnel at approximately 3:13 p.m., carrying another stolen U.S. Capitol Police riot shield, which he handed to another rioter as he exited. This further demonstrates his active participation in the breach and his willingness to aid others involved.
Prosecuting Authorities
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is responsible for prosecuting Johnston in this case. In addition, the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is involved in the prosecution due to the nature of the defendant’s actions during the Capitol breach.
Investigating Agencies
FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office
FBI’s Washington Field Office
U.S. Capitol Police
Metropolitan Police Department
The investigating agencies in this case include the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. These agencies played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending Johnston. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department also provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Scope of the Investigation
Over 1,000 Individuals Charged Nationwide
Nearly 350 Individuals Charged with Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
Since the events of January 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Among these charges, nearly 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. This highlights the seriousness of the offenses committed during the breach and the extensive efforts of law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting the individuals involved.
Contact for Tips and Information
1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324)
tips.fbi.gov
Anyone with tips or information related to this case or the breach of the U.S. Capitol is encouraged to contact the FBI. Tips can be provided by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or by visiting the website tips.fbi.gov. The information provided by the public can play a crucial role in furthering the investigation and ensuring that all individuals involved are held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the arrest of Jay James Johnston, a California man, on felony charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring all those responsible to justice. The details of the charges, the suspect’s identity and surrender, the initial appearance and location, the incident timeline, the prosecuting authorities and investigating agencies, the scope of the investigation, and the contact information for tips and information provide a comprehensive understanding of the case and its significance within the context of the Capitol breach. The prosecution of Johnston and the hundreds of others involved in the breach will send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and that the rule of law will prevail.