Matthew Huttle was an American carpenter from Hobart, Indiana, who gained national attention for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. His role in the riot led to his arrest and conviction, but he was later pardoned by former President Donald Trump in 2025. Tragically, just days after receiving the pardon, Huttle was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in Indiana on January 27, 2025.
In this article, we explore Matthew Huttle’s age, family background, legal troubles, involvement in the Capitol riot, and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Matthew Huttle Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew J. Huttle |
| Profession | Carpenter |
| Hometown | Hobart, Indiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 1982 |
| Age at Death | 42 years old |
| Legal Troubles | Involvement in January 6 Capitol Riot |
| Sentence | 6 months in prison (2023) |
| Pardon | Pardoned by Donald Trump (2025) |
| Date of Death | January 27, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Fatal police shooting during a traffic stop |
| Family Members | Father: Donald Huttle, Mother: Lynn Huttle, Uncle: Dale Huttle |
Early Life and Family
Family Background
Matthew Huttle was born in 1982 in Hobart, Indiana. According to publicly available court records, his parents were Donald and Lynn Huttle. He was particularly close to his uncle, Dale Huttle, who played a significant role in his life and was also involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Growing up, Matthew worked as a carpenter, a profession he identified with on his LinkedIn profile. There is little publicly available information about his personal life, such as marital status or children.
Involvement in the Capitol Riot (January 6, 2021)
Journey to Washington, D.C.
On January 6, 2021, Matthew traveled to Washington, D.C., with his uncle, Dale Huttle, to attend the pro-Trump rally. While many attendees remained outside, Matthew and Dale entered the U.S. Capitol building.
Inside the Capitol
- Matthew was inside the Capitol for about 16 minutes.
- He filmed videos of the riots, turning the camera on himself and saying, “This is me.”
- His uncle, Dale, engaged in violent confrontations with police officers, including striking an officer with a flagpole.
Their actions were recorded by Capitol surveillance cameras, and both were later identified and arrested.
Legal Troubles and Conviction (2021–2023)
Following his arrest, Matthew Huttle faced misdemeanor charges for:
- Entering and remaining in a restricted building
- Disorderly conduct inside the Capitol
Unlike his uncle Dale, who received a 30-month prison sentence for attacking officers, Matthew was not accused of violent actions.
Plea and Sentencing
- In 2023, Matthew pleaded guilty to the charges.
- He was sentenced to six months in prison.
- He served his sentence and was released in July 2024.
According to his defense attorney, Andrew Hemmer, Matthew wasn’t deeply involved in any political movement but rather went to the Capitol out of curiosity.
Presidential Pardon (January 2025)
On January 20, 2025, in one of his first acts back in office, President Donald Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 riot, including Matthew and Dale Huttle.
- Trump described them as “political prisoners”.
- Many legal experts criticized the mass pardons, saying they could encourage further political violence.
Matthew was released from all legal obligations related to his Capitol riot conviction.
Death: Police Shooting During a Traffic Stop (January 27, 2025)
Incident Details
Just one week after receiving his pardon, Matthew Huttle was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop in Jasper County, Indiana.
According to the Indiana State Police:
- A deputy pulled Huttle over around 4:15 PM on State Road 14.
- The deputy attempted to arrest him, though the reason for the arrest has not been disclosed.
- Matthew resisted arrest, leading to an altercation.
- He was armed at the time of the incident.
- The deputy fired his weapon, fatally wounding Huttle.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
- The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his death.
- The officer involved was placed on administrative leave (standard procedure for police shootings).
- Indiana State Police are conducting an independent investigation.
Sheriff Patrick Williamson released a statement:
“Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased. Any loss of life is traumatic.”
Matthew’s attorney, Nick Barnes, stated that he would be investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
Public Reactions and Controversy
Trump’s Pardons Under Scrutiny
- Huttle’s death raised concerns about Trump’s mass pardons.
- Critics argue the pardons may have emboldened some individuals involved in the Capitol riot.
- Senator Lindsey Graham stated it was a “mistake” to pardon individuals who entered the Capitol illegally.
Conspiracy Theories and Speculation
- Some far-right groups claimed Huttle’s death was politically motivated.
- Others blamed law enforcement for escalating the situation.
At the time of his death, Matthew had pending motor vehicle cases in Lake County.
Lesser-Known Facts About Matthew Huttle
- He was inside the Capitol for just 16 minutes before leaving.
- His uncle, Dale Huttle, was convicted of attacking police with a flagpole.
- He served six months in prison and was released in July 2024.
- He never expressed strong political views publicly.
- He received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump just one week before his death.
- He had prior run-ins with the law, including traffic violations.
- He was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop under unclear circumstances.
FAQs About Matthew Huttle
1. Who was Matthew Huttle?
Matthew Huttle was a carpenter from Indiana involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, later pardoned by Donald Trump, and fatally shot by police in 2025.
2. How old was Matthew Huttle at the time of his death?
He was 42 years old.
3. What was his role in the Capitol riot?
Matthew entered the Capitol building for 16 minutes, filming the chaos but was not involved in violent actions.
4. Did he serve time in prison?
Yes, he pleaded guilty in 2023 and served six months in prison.
5. Why was Matthew Huttle pardoned?
He was one of over 1,500 Capitol riot participants pardoned by Donald Trump in 2025.
6. How did Matthew Huttle die?
He was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic stop in Jasper County, Indiana on January 27, 2025.
7. Was he armed at the time of his death?
Yes, police confirmed that Huttle was armed during the altercation.
Conclusion
Matthew Huttle’s life was marked by controversy, from his role in the January 6 Capitol riot to his conviction, pardon, and ultimately his tragic death. His story remains a subject of political debate, especially regarding Trump’s pardons and their implications.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
