Just days after receiving a pardon from President Trump for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot, Matthew Huttle found himself in a fatal confrontation with law enforcement. Newly released bodycam footage reveals the dramatic escalation that led to his death during what began as a routine traffic stop.
At a Glance
- Matthew Huttle, recently pardoned by President Trump for January 6th misdemeanor charges, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Indiana
- Bodycam footage shows Huttle was pulled over for speeding and admitted to driving without a license
- When informed of his impending arrest as a habitual offender, Huttle retreated to his vehicle
- Huttle shouted “I’m shooting myself” before the deputy fired his weapon
- State police confirmed Huttle was in possession of a firearm during the incident
Pardoned Protester’s Final Moments Captured on Video
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department has released bodycam footage capturing the tense moments leading to the fatal shooting of Matthew Huttle, an Indiana man who had just received a presidential pardon for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol protest. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, on State Road 14 in Rensselaer, Indiana, when Huttle was pulled over for a speeding violation.
The footage shows a seemingly routine traffic stop that rapidly deteriorated when the deputy discovered Huttle was driving without a license. Upon learning Huttle had a previous record as a habitual offender, the deputy informed him he would be placed under arrest. Instead of complying, Huttle made a sudden dash back to his vehicle, leading to the confrontation that would ultimately cost him his life.
The bodycam video clearly captures the moment when Huttle, rather than submitting to arrest, ran back to his van. As he retreated, Huttle can be heard shouting, “I’m shooting myself,” prompting the deputy to draw his service weapon. Seconds later, shots were fired, fatally wounding Huttle inside his vehicle. State authorities have since confirmed Huttle was armed during the encounter.
While authorities have confirmed that Huttle possessed a firearm during the traffic stop, they have not yet clarified whether he pointed the weapon at the officer or himself before the shooting occurred. The Indiana State Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, reviewing all available evidence including the bodycam footage.
Recent Presidential Pardon
The timing of the incident has raised questions, as it occurred just days after Huttle received a pardon from President Donald Trump for his participation in the January 6, 2021, Capitol protest. Huttle had previously been sentenced to six months in custody after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge for entering the U.S. Capitol building during the demonstration.
Court records indicate that Huttle spent approximately 16 minutes inside the Capitol during the January 6th events, recording his presence. His defense attorney had previously described him as not being politically motivated, suggesting he attended the rally out of curiosity rather than conviction. Despite this characterization, Huttle’s pardoning was seen as part of President Trump’s broader effort to address what many conservatives view as unfair treatment of January 6th participants.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson issued a statement addressing the tragedy.
“Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased as any loss of life is traumatic to those that were close to Mr. Huttle,” Sheriff Williamson said.
Meanwhile, Huttle’s attorney, Nick Barnes, has indicated he was unaware of the specific circumstances surrounding the shooting but intends to investigate the matter further.
