The recent tragic police shooting of Matthew Huttle has been thrust into the spotlight with the release of dashcam footage from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Huttle, a 42-year-old participant in the January 6 Capitol event recently pardoned by President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Jasper County, Indiana, on January 26, 2025. This incident has raised questions and concerns about the handling of the situation by law enforcement.
The dashcam video begins with a deputy pulling over Huttle’s gold minivan for speeding, clocking him at 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Huttle, clearly distressed, immediately identifies himself as a January 6 defendant who recently received a pardon, stating, “I just want you to know I’m a January 6 defendant.” The deputy engages in conversation, asking what he means by that, to which Huttle responds, “I stormed the Capitol.” The situation escalates as the officer informs Huttle, a habitual offender, that he will have to be taken into custody despite issuing a verbal warning for speeding.
Upon receiving this news, Huttle becomes increasingly agitated and pleads, “I can’t go to jail for this, sir.” Despite the tension, the deputy insists, “You’re going to have to,” leading Huttle to resist, exclaiming, “I can’t, I can’t.” The situation quickly deteriorates as Huttle attempts to re-enter his vehicle, and a struggle ensues. During the confrontation, Huttle is heard saying, “I’m shooting myself.” The deputy, perceiving a potential threat, discharges his firearm, ultimately killing Huttle.
BREAKING: Dashcam footage depicting the Jan. 26 fatal police shooting of recently-pardoned J6 defendant, Matthew Huttle has been publicized pic.twitter.com/W5q923upfe
— J6 Commission (@j6commission) February 27, 2025
A post-incident search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9 mm handgun and a large cache of ammunition. Despite the fact that Huttle’s only threat was to himself, the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office justified the deputy’s use of deadly force. Criticism has arisen, particularly from Huttle’s father, Don Huttle, a retired police officer, who expressed his frustration by stating, “You don’t kill a man who is threatening to kill himself. These guys are trained these days to make a legal decision, not a moral decision. The wrong decision will haunt you.”
In a deeper analysis, five shots were fired by the officer, resulting in four striking Huttle: one to the back through the heart, rupturing the aorta; one to the back of the neck, entering the brain; one to the back of the left shoulder; and one potentially defensive wound to the left thumb. A fifth shot from the deputy missed Huttle.
Body cam footage obtained by @HeadlineUSA from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office shows Huttle attempted to flee before he was fatally shot on Jan. 26. pic.twitter.com/kyC3AKnfQM
— J6 Commission (@j6commission) February 27, 2025
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for a broader discussion on the justice system and its handling of such emotionally charged situations. Advocates for President Trump argue for reform to prevent such tragedies from recurring and highlight the complications of current law enforcement training protocols. The liberal media, however, has skewed perceptions, failing to adequately cover the nuances of this case.