
A man was shot and killed by an Indiana state trooper in the US after a rant during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon, US authorities said. The incident occurred just days after he was pardoned by President Donald Trump for a counterclave over the 2021 U.S. Capitol riots.
At about 4:15 p.m., a Jasper County Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop. The officer attempted to arrest the suspect, but authorities say the suspect resisted and a quarrel occurred.
"A fight occurred between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing and fatally wounding the suspect," the statement said. Police said that during the traffic stop, the suspect possessed a firearm.
The person killed was identified as Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart, Indiana.
"Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased as any loss of life is traumatic for those close to Mr. Huttle," Sheriff Patrick Williamson said.
An investigation is ongoing. The officer involved in the shooting is under administrative leave under standard protocol. Authorities did not say what may have prompted the traffic stop.
In 2023, Huttle was sentenced to six months' detention after pleading guilty to entering a restricted building. He had traveled with his uncle to Washington to attend the Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump rally, and the two entered the Capitol. Huttle was inside for 16 minutes and recorded it on video as well.
"He is not a true believer in any political cause," defense attorney Andrew Hemmer said in a court filing. "He instead went to the rally because he thought it would be a historic moment and there was nothing better to do after he got out of prison" for an offence.