RENSSELAER, Ind. — In a tragic twist, an Indiana man recently pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop. Matthew Huttle, 42, was killed on Sunday afternoon, merely days after being part of a sweeping pardon that affected over 1,500 riot participants.

According to Indiana State Police, the incident occurred around 4:15 PM when Huttle was pulled over on State Road 14. During the stop, the sheriff's deputy attempted to arrest Huttle, who allegedly resisted, leading to a physical altercation. The deputy subsequently fired his weapon, fatally wounding Huttle. Reports confirm he was in possession of a firearm at the time of the stop, though it remains unclear whether he used it.

Huttle's connection to January 6

Huttle had participated in the January 6 rally, during which he entered the Capitol for about 10 minutes and recorded footage of the chaos. He and his uncle, who was later convicted for assaulting police with a flagpole, were both tangled in legal battles over their actions that day. Huttle faced a plea deal for entering a restricted area and served six months in prison, twice the average sentence for such charges. His uncle received a 30-month sentence.

After his release, Huttle expressed regret about his involvement in the attack, stating through his defense attorney that he was motivated more by the event's historical significance than by any political beliefs. "He thought it would be a historic moment," his attorney said in court filings.

The aftermath

The shooting has fueled discussions about the implications of Trump's pardons for January 6 participants, with some experts arguing these actions could encourage further violence. The sheriff involved requested the Indiana State Police investigate the incident, and the deputy has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome.

As the community grapples with this event, Sheriff Patrick Williamson extended condolences to Huttle's family, stating, “Any loss of life is traumatic to those that were close to Mr. Huttle,” reflecting on the broader tragedy of the situation.

This incident adds to a troubling narrative surrounding the January 6 rioters, as another pardoned participant, Daniel Ball of Florida, was recently rearrested on different charges following his pardon.

As this story develops, many are left reflecting on the complex issues surrounding the January 6 insurrection, the subsequent pardons granted by Trump, and the impact of these events on the individuals involved.

For further details, see the original reporting on this incident at AP News.