Pardoned Capitol riot participant, killed during police arrest attempt

WORLD, Jan. 28 (YPA) – Matthew Hatel, 42, was killed on Sunday by a deputy sheriff from Jasper County after he “resisted” arrest when police stopped his vehicle in northwestern Indiana, according to a statement from the state police.

The statement mentioned that “a struggle occurred between the suspect and a police officer, leading the officer to shoot the suspect, resulting in fatal injuries.”

No further details were provided, except that Hatel was in possession of a firearm.

American media identified Hatel as one of approximately 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the 2021 Capitol breach, whom Trump quickly pardoned upon taking office.

The decision, signed by Trump just hours after assuming power last week, sparked sharp criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans who opposed pardoning individuals convicted of violently attacking police officers.

Local news channel Fox 59 reported that Hatel had been sentenced to six months in prison for his role in the Capitol attack and was released in July of last year.

The station added that his uncle also participated in the Capitol attack and was sentenced last year to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting police officers with a flagpole.

Media reports also indicated that another person pardoned by Trump, Daniel Paul of Florida, was re-arrested last week on charges related to possessing a firearm dating back to before the Capitol attack.

@E.Y.M