Donald Trump might be feeling regret as his move to pardon January 6 Capitol rioters is producing troubling results nationwide. Barely a week later, an Indiana man, forgiven by the president, was shot dead during a traffic stop.
On Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department shot and killed Matthew Huttle during a traffic stop. The incident happened at approximately 4:15 p.m near the Jasper/Pulaski county lines when the officer pulled over Huttle. The stop led to the 42-year-old’s arrest, but when the cop tried to take him in, a scuffle broke out as he allegedly resisted. During the “altercation,” the deputy fired his gun, killing Huttle on the spot.
Huttle was in possession of a firearm during the traffic stop, per Fox59. However, no further details have been provided on what led to his arrest. It has been confirmed that the late Huttle, alongside his uncle, Dale Huttle, was among the thousands arrested and imprisoned for storming the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison followed by 12 months on supervised release before his term ended on July 17, 2024. According to the FBI, Matthew Huttle was inside the Capitol for roughly 10 minutes but remained on the Capitol grounds for several hours.
However, both Huttles were spared from dealing with the consequences of their crimes when Trump took office on January 20. The Republican politician issued an executive order, granting clemency to all the 1,500-plus people charged in the insurrection.
Donald Trump Slammed: ‘What Do You Expect Of Violent Criminals?’
Trump received heavy backlash, even from his allies, for his criminal pardon of the rioters. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham was one of the vocal critics despite being pro-Trump.
“I have always said that, I think, when you pardon people who attack police officers, you’re sending the wrong signal to the public at large.”
Now, it seems Graham’s words have come back to haunt the president, given Huttle’s killing. Fans online share the same sentiment and blame Trump for the catastrophe.
“What do you expect of violent criminals? Big mistake to pardon violent criminals that will continue to commit violent crimes,” one fan slammed.
“That’s what happens when a felon president pardons a bunch of criminals without even bothering to take the time and review their records,” another comment read.
“Karma’s a b**ch,” a third fan mocked.
“He probably felt emboldened because of his pardon,” this user theorized. “You can take the criminal out of jail, but you can’t take the criminality out of the criminal.”
The deputy who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave while the Indiana State Police investigate the shooting. Donald Trump has yet to publicly address the news of Huttle’s death, but all eyes are on him as things get out of control.
