Man Recently Pardoned Fatally Shot by Police

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An Indiana man recently pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon.

Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart, was killed near the Jasper and Pulaski county line after what authorities describe as a confrontation with law enforcement. According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. when a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on State Road 14.

Details about the stop remain limited, but police say the encounter escalated when the deputy attempted to arrest Huttle. The reasons for the arrest have not yet been disclosed. A physical altercation reportedly ensued, during which the deputy discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Huttle.

The Indiana State Police confirmed that Huttle was in possession of a firearm during the traffic stop. However, it is unclear whether the weapon played a role in the altercation. Officials have not released specifics about the events leading up to the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson announced that the deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol following officer-involved shootings. Sheriff Williamson has requested that Indiana State Police lead the investigation to ensure impartiality.

“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,” Williamson said in a public statement. He added that the deputy’s name would be released after receiving approval from state investigators.

Huttle’s lawyer, Nicholas Barnes, expressed shock at the news, noting that he primarily represented Huttle in driving and alcohol-related cases over the past decade. Barnes stated he was eager to learn more about the circumstances of the shooting, adding, “To my knowledge, Matthew was a nonviolent individual, so I know the Indiana State Police are investigating the encounter, and I will be very interested to read their findings.”

Huttle had previously gained attention for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol breach. According to federal records, he and his uncle, Dale Huttle, were arrested after entering the U.S. Capitol during the riots. The FBI reported that Huttle spent about 10 minutes inside the Capitol but remained on the grounds for several hours.

Both Huttles were convicted for their participation in the breach. Matthew Huttle was sentenced to six months in federal prison and 12 months of supervised release. He completed his sentence on July 17, 2024.

Huttle’s pardon was part of a broader wave of clemencies issued by Trump on January 20, during his second inauguration. Over 1,500 individuals tied to the Capitol breach received pardons or commutations, including those convicted of various charges, such as trespassing and seditious conspiracy.

Huttle’s death adds another layer of complexity to an already controversial case. State authorities have not provided a timeline for the release of additional information, but the investigation is expected to clarify the sequence of events that led to Sunday’s fatal encounter.

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