A tragic incident unfolded in Indiana this week as 42-year-old Matthew Huttle of Hobart was fatally shot by a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop. The shooting occurred just days after Huttle was pardoned for a misdemeanor related to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach.
According to authorities, the incident took place on Sunday when a Jasper County deputy attempted to arrest Huttle during the traffic stop. Indiana State Police, who are leading the investigation, reported that an altercation ensued, leading the deputy to fire their weapon, fatally wounding Huttle. State police also confirmed that Huttle was in possession of a firearm at the time of the stop.
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Few details have been released about what prompted the traffic stop or the circumstances leading to the altercation.
Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson expressed his condolences, stating, “Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased, as any loss of life is traumatic to those involved.”
Huttle’s attorney, who was representing him in pending motor vehicle cases in Lake County, said he was unaware of the specifics of the shooting. “I plan to find out a lot more about it,” the attorney said.
Huttle’s death comes just days after he was pardoned for a misdemeanor conviction stemming from his participation in the January 6 Capitol riot.
In 2023, Huttle pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building and was sentenced to six months in custody. According to court documents, Huttle traveled to Washington, D.C., with his uncle to attend the pro-Trump rally on January 6, 2021. He was inside the Capitol for approximately 16 minutes and recorded parts of the event.
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In a court filing, Huttle’s defense attorney, Andrew Hemmer, described his client as “not a True Believer in any political cause.” Hemmer stated that Huttle attended the rally because he thought it would be a historic moment and “had nothing better to do” after being released from jail for a driving offense.
Photos provided by the Department of Justice following Huttle’s arrest in 2021 show him among the crowds at the Capitol.
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