Newly released dashcam footage reveals the fatal police shooting of 42-year-old Matthew Huttle, a recently pardoned participant in the Capitol event.
The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, in Jasper County, Indiana, just days after President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon to over 1,500 individuals involved in the 2021 protest.
The footage, made public by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, begins with a deputy initiating a traffic stop on Huttle’s gold minivan for speeding—70 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Upon approach, Huttle immediately identifies himself as a January 6 defendant awaiting a pardon.
Visibly distressed, Huttle pleads, “I can’t go to jail,” before abruptly attempting to re-enter his vehicle, according to Indy Star.
A struggle ensues, during which Huttle declares, “I’m shooting myself.” The deputy, perceiving an imminent threat, discharges his firearm, fatally wounding Huttle.
Transcript from Fox59:
Huttle then tells the deputy, unprompted, “I just want you to know I’m a January 6 defendant.”
“What do you mean?” the deputy asks.
“I stormed the Capitol,” Huttle says.
“Really?”
“Am I under arrest or anything?” Huttle asks.
After Huttle joins the deputy at the back of the van, the law enforcement officer explains that Huttle is a habitual offender. He gives Huttle a verbal warning for the speeding, but due to the felony status of being a habitual offender, the deputy says he has to take Huttle into custody.
“Today, you are going to come with me,” the deputy says.
“I can’t, I can’t,” Huttle responds.
“You’re going to have to,” the deputy tells him.
“I can’t go to jail for this, sir.”
“Don’t you do it, buddy!” the deputy says while chasing after him.
Huttle jumps into the driver’s seat and the two struggle, but the body camera footage is blurred and little can be made out.
“I’m shooting myself,” Huttle can be heard saying.
“No, no, no, no,” the deputy says.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded 9 mm handgun and a substantial amount of ammunition. The Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office has deemed the deputy’s use of deadly force legally justified.
WATCH:
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
