An Indiana man pardoned by President Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot was fatally shot by a deputy during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon, authorities reported.
Matthew Huttle, 42, was killed during an encounter with a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy on Indiana State Road 14, near the Pulaski County line. According to Indiana State Police, the deputy attempted to arrest Huttle, leading to an altercation that ended with the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding him.
“An altercation took place between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect,” stated Indiana State Police in a press release. Authorities also said Huttle had a gun in his car during the incident.
Huttle, a resident of Hobart, Indiana, was pardoned by Trump the previous week for a misdemeanor charge related to the Capitol riot. He was sentenced to six months in jail in 2023 after pleading guilty to entering a restricted building and was released in July 2024, according to the Washington Post.
Huttle was among approximately 1,500 January 6 defendants who received clemency from Trump. In 2021, he attended Trump’s rally with his uncle, viewing it as a historic moment. During the Capitol riot, Huttle entered the building for 16 minutes and filmed the event. His defense attorney previously stated in court filings that Huttle had gone to the rally out of curiosity, as he had “nothing better to do” after a prior release from jail for a driving offense.
Indiana State Police have not disclosed further details about the shooting or why the deputy was attempting to arrest Huttle. The agency is leading the investigation.
The deputy involved in the shooting was placed on paid administrative leave, following standard procedure, Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson said. “Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased as any loss of life is traumatic to those that were close to Mr. Huttle,” the sheriff’s statement read.
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