An Indiana man, previously pardoned by Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop on Sunday.
Matthew Huttle, 42, was reportedly killed by a sheriff’s deputy following an alleged altercation and resistance to arrest, according to Indiana state police and local news outlets.
Huttle was among over 1,500 individuals pardoned by Trump at the start of his second term for their participation in the 2021 insurrection. He and his uncle, Dale Huttle, travelled to Washington, D.C., where they were both charged. Matthew entered the Capitol for approximately 10 minutes and later accepted a plea deal, serving six months in prison. His uncle, however, received a 30-month sentence after pleading guilty to felony assault for jabbing an officer with a flagpole.
Jasper County’s sheriff has requested the state police to investigate the shooting. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave, as per standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.
“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,” Sheriff Patrick Williamson said in a statement.
Another January 6 participant who recently received a pardon has been rearrested on federal gun charges. Daniel Ball, a Florida resident, was taken into custody on allegations of illegal firearm possession, stemming from a case linked to his involvement in the 2021 Capitol insurrection.
Law enforcement officers who responded to the Capitol attack, along with experts on political violence, have cautioned that granting pardons to participants could potentially encourage further acts of violence.
