Matthew Huttle, 42, a pardoned rioter from the January 6 Capitol insurrection, was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon. This shooting, which occurred shortly after Huttle received clemency from President Donald Trump, has reignited discussions about the outcomes for participants of the infamous riot and the subsequent consequences of their behavior.
The traffic stop took place at around 4:15 p.m. near the Jasper/Pulaski county lines when Huttle, of Hobart, Indiana, was pulled over by a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy on State Road 14. According to the Indiana State Police, during the stop, the deputy attempted to arrest Huttle, who allegedly resisted and struggled with the officer. This altercation led the deputy to discharge his firearm, resulting in Huttle's death.
State police reported Huttle was found to be in possession of a firearm at the time of the incident, but details about the circumstances surrounding the altercation remain sparse as investigations are still underway.
Federal sources confirmed to local news outlets, including FOX59 and CBS4, Huttle had recently been pardoned by Trump. This pardon was part of Trump’s clemency actions for more than 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol violence on January 6, 2021, following his inauguration for his second term. Huttle's arrest stemmed from his involvement in the riot, where he and his uncle participated after traveling from Indiana to Washington, D.C., for the “Stop the Steal” rally.
After pleading guilty to charges for breaking entry restrictions during the riot, Huttle had previously been sentenced to six months of imprisonment, which was to be followed by 12 months of supervised release. His sentence was formally cut short following the pardon.
“I have no regrets. I will not say I’m sorry,” Huttle’s uncle, also involved during the insurrection, said after being released following the pardons.
Upon confirmation of Huttle's death, Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson noted, “Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased as any loss of life is traumatic to those who were close to Mr. Huttle.” The deputy involved has since been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation by the Indiana State Police is conducted.
This incident has drawn parallels with other cases surrounding pardoned rioters, including Daniel Ball, another individual involved in the January 6 riot who was arrested on federal gun charges the day after receiving his pardon.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has voiced concerns about the pardons, criticizing the message they send to the public about attacking law enforcement officers. “I have always said, I think, when you pardon people who attack police officers, you’re sending the wrong signal to the public at large,” he stated.
Huttle had reportedly been captured on security footage during the insurrection, spending approximately ten minutes inside the Capitol and claiming he wished to document the proceedings there. He was seen on camera attempting to get inside, raising questions about his motivations and actions during the breach.
The broader discussions initiated by this shooting also touch on the ramifications of pardoning individuals involved with such violent instances and are seen as contentious among both sides of the political spectrum. Experts on political violence have cautioned against these pardons potentially leading to increased acts of unrest.
While the investigation continues, the circumstances of Huttle's death serve as not only the tragic end to his life but as part of the continuing dialogue about accountability and the outcomes of the marks left by the January 6 Capitol riot.