RENSSELAER, Ind. — A tragic incident occurred in Indiana over the weekend when a 42-year-old man, Matthew Huttle from Hobart, was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop. This event took place just days after Huttle had received a pardon from former President Donald Trump concerning a misdemeanor linked to the January 6th Capitol riot.
The shooting occurred on Sunday, and local authorities confirmed that the situation escalated into a confrontation between Huttle and the deputy, leading the officer to discharge his weapon, which ultimately resulted in Huttle’s death.
Indiana State Police are currently investigating the incident. According to the police, at the time of the traffic stop, Huttle was armed with a firearm. Specific details surrounding the reason for the traffic stop have not been disclosed, leaving questions about the circumstances leading to the altercation.
Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson expressed his condolences to Huttle’s family, acknowledging the trauma of losing a loved one. He noted that any loss of life is deeply felt by those close to the individual.
Nick Barnes, Huttle’s attorney who was handling outstanding motor vehicle cases for him in Lake County, mentioned he is seeking to gather more information about the shooting incident.
Huttle’s legal troubles included a previous conviction in 2023 for unlawfully entering a restricted building, specifically the U.S. Capitol. He had participated in the pro-Trump rally on January 6, 2021, alongside his uncle and spent approximately 16 minutes inside the Capitol, documenting the experience on video.
Huttle’s defense attorney, Andrew Hemmer, characterized him in court documents as someone who was not deeply committed to any political ideology. Instead, he suggested that Huttle attended the rally out of a desire to witness a moment he believed to be historic, particularly after recently being released from incarceration for a separate driving offense.
