January 6 Protestor 'Had Nothing Better To Do' on Day of Capitol Riot

A Capitol riot defendant is seeking leniency in his case saying that he attended the insurrection because he "had nothing better to do" on January 6.

A court document reviewed by Newsweek shows that Capitol protester Matthew Huttle recently filed a document in court explaining his reason for attending the January 6 riot and asking for probation instead of jail time

"Matt's offense conduct in this case—in 2021—was not caused by his drinking. It was a reckless decision resulting from Matt's stupidity and failing to think through his actions. Shortly after Matt was released from jail on his last DUI, his uncle Dale asked him if he would drive him to D.C. for the Trump rally on January 6," the document reviewed by Newsweek says.

"Matt has his grievances with the government and the imbalance of power in the country, but he is not a true believer in any political cause. He instead went to the rally because he thought it would be a historic moment and he had nothing better to do after getting out of jail," the document states, adding a request for 18 months of probation from the court.

In November 2022, the U.S Attorney's Office in Washington D.C. announced charges for Huttle and his uncle, Dale, for their role in the January 6 Capitol riot.

"Dale Huttle, 61, of Crown Point, Indiana, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon, interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder, and related felony and misdemeanor offenses," the charge said.

"Huttle's nephew, Matthew Huttle, 40, of Hebron, Indiana, was arrested today in Boise, Idaho. He is charged in the same complaint filed in the District of Columbia with misdemeanor offenses."

Matthew Huttle pleaded guilty in August to "knowingly and voluntarily admits to all the elements of entering and remaining in a restricted building or ground."

In response to the document filed by Matthew Huttle and his attorney, Andrew Hemmer, this week, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington D.C. issued its own sentencing memorandum for the case.

"The government requests that this court sentence defendant Matthew Huttle to 10 months of incarceration, one year of supervised release, $500 restitution, and 60 hours of community service," the memorandum read.

The document also listed several reasons why the government believes their sentencing recommendation is warranted, including Matthew Huttle speaking about his intent to enter the Capitol, even after acknowledging that police were guarding the building.

Additionally, Matthew Huttle allegedly overran the police line in the west front of the Capitol and "remained on the Capitol grounds for several hours, taking photos and videos of the rioters occupying Capitol grounds."

Newsweek reached out to Matthew Huttle's attorney via email for comment.