Matthew Huttle, a participant in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, was pardoned by Donald Trump last week but was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop on January 26. Huttle, 42, had been sentenced to six months in prison for his role in the riot and was released in July 2024. Trump’s recent pardons included over 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol attack.
During the traffic stop in Indiana, an altercation occurred between Huttle and a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy, leading to the deputy fatally shooting him. Police confirmed Huttle was armed but did not disclose further details about the incident or the reason for the arrest attempt. The deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
Huttle had claimed the FBI was responsible for the Capitol riot and believed “actors” with excessive training were involved. His death has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about the consequences of the January 6 events and Trump’s pardons. Authorities expressed condolences to Huttle’s family, emphasizing the traumatic nature of the incident.