Everest climber and Capitol rioter Jay Johnston sentenced to a year in prison

Jay Johnston, an experienced Everest climber and Capitol rioter, was sentenced to a year in prison for his role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Johnston, 39, pleaded guilty in May to a felony charge of civil disorder, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sentenced Johnston to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Johnston was one of hundreds of people who stormed the Capitol on January 6 in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. He was captured on video inside the Capitol, wearing a climbing helmet and carrying a backpack full of gear.

Johnston's attorney, Patrick Bedell, argued that his client was not a violent rioter and that he did not enter the Capitol with the intent to disrupt the electoral count. Bedell said Johnston was simply caught up in the moment and followed the crowd.

But Mehta said Johnston's actions were "serious" and that he played a "significant role" in the attack on the Capitol. Mehta said Johnston's sentence should send a message that "those who engage in such conduct will be held accountable."