Man Pardoned by Trump for January 6 Charges Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop

Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old Indiana man recently pardoned by President Donald Trump for charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Sunday. Authorities allege Huttle resisted arrest, leading to an altercation with a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy that ended in the deputy fatally shooting him.

Indiana State Police reported that Huttle was in possession of a firearm during the traffic stop, but details about the reason for the stop and what escalated the encounter remain unclear. The deputy involved has been placed on leave pending an investigation.

Huttle’s attorney, Nick Barnes, who represented him in unrelated motor vehicle cases, said he was unaware of what triggered the fatal incident. Huttle had a prior criminal record, including time served for a driving offense.

Huttle was among the roughly 1,500 individuals pardoned by Trump last week for charges stemming from the January 6 Capitol riot. Huttle had pleaded guilty in 2023 to entering a restricted building after spending 16 minutes inside the Capitol. His attorney at the time characterized him as someone without a deep political conviction, describing his attendance at the rally as a spur-of-the-moment decision after his release from jail.

Trump’s executive order pardoning January 6 defendants declared it an effort to “end a grave national injustice” and begin “a process of national reconciliation.” Huttle and his uncle, Dale Huttle, were included in this sweeping act of clemency.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further information about the circumstances of the traffic stop or Huttle’s actions during the confrontation. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the exact events that led to the shooting.

This incident follows a divisive pardon that has sparked heated debate across the nation, highlighting the enduring political and social ramifications of January 6.

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