RENSSELAER, Ind. — An Indiana man recently pardoned for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot has been fatally shot during a traffic stop, stirring controversy and bringing renewed focus on the circumstances surrounding the events of January 6.
Matthew W. Huttle, 42, from Hobart, was shot dead by Jasper County police on January 28, 2025. The incident occurred during what state police described as a routine traffic stop around 4:15 PM near the Pulaski County line, on State Road 14. Details about the traffic stop are limited, but law enforcement indicated Huttle was stopped for alleged traffic violations.
According to the Indiana State Police, during the stop, officers attempted to arrest Huttle when he began to resist, leading to an altercation. "An altercation took place between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect," state authorities confirmed. Huttle was reportedly armed at the time of the incident.
The shooting occurred just days after Huttle received presidential clemency. He had been pardoned by President Donald Trump on January 24, 2025, after serving six months for illegally entering the Capitol building during the historic insurrection. Court records reveal he filmed his entry, and security footage confirmed his presence inside for approximately ten minutes, during which he remained on Capitol grounds for several hours.
Huttle's sentencing came after he pled guilty to entering a restricted area. He had been released from federal custody on July 17, 2024. The swift transition from pardon to tragedy prompted mixed reactions within the community and among legal experts.
Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson expressed condolences to Huttle's family, stating, "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 officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, following standard protocol, as the Indiana State Police conduct their investigation.
Matthew Huttle was traveling to the Capitol with his uncle, Dale Huttle, who was also sentenced to prison for his actions during the Capitol riot. Dale Huttle received 30 months for assaulting officers with dangerous weapons. During court proceedings, Dale noted he and his nephew were separated amid the chaos of the riot, but the connection between their actions has not been overlooked.
Matthew Huttle's defense attorney, Andrew Hemmer, has painted his client’s motivations as non-political, claiming, "He is not a true believer in any political cause...he thought it would be a historic moment and he had nothing else to do after getting out of jail." This characterization adds another layer to the already complex public discourse surrounding the January 6 events and the individuals involved.
The fatal shooting adds to the contentious backdrop of police-involved incidents across the country, especially involving individuals tied to politically charged events like the Capitol riot. Though the details of the traffic stop and the reasons behind Huttle's alleged resistance to arrest are still under investigation, the ramifications of the shooting will likely continue to ripple through the community and beyond.
The investigation is active, with findings expected to be submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office for formal review. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the pardons issued by Trump to individuals implicated in the January 6 insurrection have reignited debates over the nature of justice, accountability, and the potential for similar events to repeat.
With so much at stake, this tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the unresolved tensions stemming from the riot and the laws governing police engagements.