Policeman Kills US Capitol Rioter Pardoned by Trump

A man pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol assault was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in Indiana.

Authorities confirmed that Matthew Huttle, 42, was killed on Sunday, January 26, after allegedly resisting arrest.

According to a statement from the Indiana State Police, an altercation occurred between Huttle and a sheriff’s deputy, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon. Huttle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police also reported that Huttle had a firearm, though additional details about the encounter were not provided.

Huttle had been among approximately 1,500 individuals charged or convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot and was pardoned by Trump just hours after he returned to office last week. The decision to pardon individuals convicted of violently attacking police officers sparked widespread criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans.

Huttle had previously served a six-month prison sentence for his involvement in the Capitol assault and was released last July. Local media reported that his uncle, who also participated in the riot, received a 30-month sentence last year after pleading guilty to assaulting police officers with a flagpole.

The case has intensified scrutiny over Trump’s controversial pardon decisions. Another pardon recipient, Daniel Ball of Florida, was reportedly rearrested last week on a federal gun charge predating the Capitol attack.

Investigations into Huttle’s death are ongoing, and no further details about the traffic stop or the circumstances leading to the shooting have been released.