Matthew Huttle, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot, was fatally shot by an Indiana sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop in January. The incident occurred shortly after Huttle had received a pardon for his involvement in the Capitol breach. He had entered the Capitol building for approximately 15 minutes and recorded the event on video. Following his actions, Huttle accepted a plea deal that resulted in a six-month prison sentence.
The traffic stop took place six days after former President Donald Trump's mass clemency for individuals involved in the Capitol riot. Huttle was driving at 70 mph in a 55 mph zone when an officer stopped him near the border of Jasper and Pulaski counties in northwest Indiana. Upon investigation, authorities discovered a loaded 9mm pistol along with additional ammunition inside Huttle's vehicle.
During the stop, the deputy informed Huttle that he would be arrested for being a habitual traffic offender. Responding to the deputy's statement, Huttle exclaimed, “No, I can't go to jail for this.” As tensions escalated, a struggle ensued between Huttle and the deputy in his car. Witnesses report that Huttle attempted to flee back to his vehicle, prompting the deputy to shout, “No, don’t you do it buddy! No, no, no, no, no!”
Prosecutors indicated that the deputy fired multiple shots at Huttle after observing him raise a firearm during the altercation. The subsequent investigation concluded that the deputy's actions were legally justified under Indiana law. Chris Vawter, a spokesperson for local authorities, stated, “Based on the evidence, the deputy’s actions were legally justified under Indiana law.”
Huttle's legal troubles did not end with the traffic stop. He was among several pardoned Capitol attackers who have subsequently made headlines due to other legal issues. According to Huttle’s attorney, Andrew Hemmer, his client was not politically motivated. Hemmer remarked that Huttle was simply present at the Capitol on January 6 because he believed it would be “a historic moment.” He further added, “He had nothing better to do after getting out of jail.”
The fatal incident has drawn attention from law enforcement organizations. The Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police released a statement emphasizing that crimes against law enforcement represent a broader threat to society and the rule of law. They stated, “Crimes against law enforcement are not just attacks on individuals or public safety – they are attacks on society and undermine the rule of law.”