Jan. 6 rioter pardoned by Trump shot and killed by police during traffic stop
Days after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump, a man involved in the Capitol riot was fatally shot by police in a traffic stop confrontation.
A January 6th rioter who was recently pardoned by former President Donald Trump has been shot and killed by police in Indiana during a traffic stop.
Matthew Huttle, 42, was one of over 1,500 individuals granted clemency by Trump after he returned to the White House earlier this month. Huttle had previously served six months in prison for his role in the Capitol riot and was released in July 2024.
Huttle was fatally shot on Sunday, January 26, during a traffic stop on Indiana State Road 14 near the Pulaski County line. According to a press release from Indiana State Police, a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to arrest him when an altercation broke out.
“An altercation took place between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect,” the statement read.
Authorities confirmed that Huttle was armed at the time but have not provided further details on why officers were attempting to arrest him.
Investigation underway
Sheriff Patrick Williamson stated that the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
“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,” he said.
Indiana State Police are leading the investigation, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Huttle’s involvement in the Capitol riot
According to federal records, Huttle was “at the forefront of violence when rioters overwhelmed and overran the police line on the West Front” of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
At the time of his sentencing, prosecutors said Huttle had traveled to Washington, D.C., to record videos as evidence of “possible government corruption.” He later claimed he believed the FBI was responsible for the riot and suggested that individuals attacking the Capitol had “too much training to be civilians.”
Controversy over pardons
Trump’s decision to pardon more than 1,500 people linked to the Capitol riot has sparked debate across the political spectrum. While supporters view it as an act of justice, critics argue it undermines accountability for the attack on democracy.
Huttle’s death adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the lasting impact of January 6 and the individuals involved. As investigations continue, questions remain about the circumstances of his fatal police encounter and his activities leading up to it.
