Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old participant in the January 6 riot, faced lethal confrontation with police just days after receiving a presidential pardon, raising questions about the consequences of such actions.
Violent Aftermath: Trump Pardoned January 6 Defendant Shot by Police
Violent Aftermath: Trump Pardoned January 6 Defendant Shot by Police
An Indiana man pardoned by Trump following the Capitol riot was killed during a police altercation.
January 6 participant Matthew Huttle was shot dead by Indiana police during a traffic stop, just days after being pardoned by former President Donald Trump. The deadly encounter took place on Sunday when Huttle, 42, allegedly resisted arrest and engaged in an altercation with an officer. The Indiana State Police (ISP) reported that he had a firearm in his possession at the time.
Huttle was one of nearly 1,600 individuals who received pardons related to the January 6 Capitol riot, which involved Trump supporters storming the Capitol building in Washington, DC, in 2021. Although precise details about the traffic stop remain unclear, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation requested by Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson.
Before receiving his pardon, Huttle spent six months in prison as part of a plea deal for his involvement in the riot. He had been released in July 2024. Huttle’s uncle, Dale Huttle, also involved in the riot, has publicly expressed pride in their actions, claiming, "I'm not ashamed of being there. It was our duty as patriots."
This incident is not isolated—a fellow rioter, Daniel Bell from Florida, was recently rearrested on federal gun charges. Both men were part of the group whose charges were dismissed by Trump on his first day back in office, which included leaders from the far-right organizations Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. During the pardons announcement, Trump criticized the justice system, stating, "What they've done to these people is outrageous."
Despite the support from Trump and some members of the Republican Party, including former President Trump himself, others have voiced dissent. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that pardoning individuals who violently assaulted police during the riot was a "mistake." As the ramifications of these pardons unfold, scrutiny continues to grow over their implications within the broader context of law enforcement and accountability.
Huttle was one of nearly 1,600 individuals who received pardons related to the January 6 Capitol riot, which involved Trump supporters storming the Capitol building in Washington, DC, in 2021. Although precise details about the traffic stop remain unclear, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation requested by Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson.
Before receiving his pardon, Huttle spent six months in prison as part of a plea deal for his involvement in the riot. He had been released in July 2024. Huttle’s uncle, Dale Huttle, also involved in the riot, has publicly expressed pride in their actions, claiming, "I'm not ashamed of being there. It was our duty as patriots."
This incident is not isolated—a fellow rioter, Daniel Bell from Florida, was recently rearrested on federal gun charges. Both men were part of the group whose charges were dismissed by Trump on his first day back in office, which included leaders from the far-right organizations Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. During the pardons announcement, Trump criticized the justice system, stating, "What they've done to these people is outrageous."
Despite the support from Trump and some members of the Republican Party, including former President Trump himself, others have voiced dissent. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that pardoning individuals who violently assaulted police during the riot was a "mistake." As the ramifications of these pardons unfold, scrutiny continues to grow over their implications within the broader context of law enforcement and accountability.
