The recent passing of Matthew Webler has sent shockwaves through the January 6 community, leaving many reeling from the loss. Webler’s death marks the third such tragedy among those whose lives were intricately tied to the events of January 6, 2021, following the earlier losses of Matthew Huttle and Bart Shively. These tragedies have sparked urgent questions within the community: Where is the leadership? Why has no thorough investigation been launched into the actions surrounding January 6? With still a dozen individuals awaiting pardons, many demand answers on when relief will come.
Matthew Webler, described by friends as a kind-hearted man who yearned for a life of happiness with his family, took his own life on August 9, 2025. His story, shared by J6 supporter and friend Lydia Sorrow, reveals a harrowing journey marked by trauma and despair. “God help us! Give us guidance and understanding,” Sorrow writes, capturing the community’s anguish. Many are grappling with the severe toll that the aftermath of January 6 has taken on their lives, often invisible to the broader public.
On the phone with Sorrow just before his pardon, Webler expressed a fierce mix of emotions—excitement alongside deep sorrow. “How, how can I go back home?” he lamented, highlighting the painful reality that awaited him. His vulnerability cuts to the heart of a struggle many share: returning to a home that had drastically changed during his absence.
Webler’s reflections shine a light on the profound system failures he endured. In a letter, he recalled being denied bond, which stymied his ability to effectively combat the legal challenges he faced. The sense of helplessness intensified after authorities took his newborn son, Zayne, from him. “I had to stand there and listen to her screaming that they took her son and it was all my fault,” he wrote with piercing clarity. This moment encapsulates a turning point in Webler’s life, where despair and defeat began to overtake him.
Despite the blessings of a Presidential pardon and newfound opportunities for work and community engagement, Webler’s anguish persisted beneath the surface. “He was able to find work and become active in support groups,” Sorrow noted, but a deep longing remained unfulfilled. Many in the J6 community share his sentiment, feeling like they are fighting an uphill battle against a narrative and system that view them as traitors rather than patriots.
Ultimately, Webler’s experience reveals a broader issue—the psychological toll on those who stood in defense of their beliefs on that fateful day. “Our J6 community is hurting,” Sorrow implores, echoing the sentiments of countless supporters. They are caught in a cycle of grief and loss, wondering how many more must endure similar fates before help arrives. The weight of these untold stories stands heavy, creating an urgent call for recognition and support.
In remembering Matthew Webler, the community does not just mourn an individual but a symbol of a larger struggle. “Matthew was brilliant. A true Patriot that loved his country,” Sorrow emphasizes, framing his legacy not just as one of tragedy but as a testament to the tenacity and values of those who find themselves at the center of political strife. “May God heal his grieving family and friends,” serves as a somber reminder of the pain that lingers long after tragedy strikes.
As discussions unfold and the community seeks understanding and justice, the call for appropriate programs to support those affected becomes increasingly clear. In the depths of their shared sorrow, they seek an acknowledgment of their experiences and pain—a pivotal step in the healing process for a divided nation still reeling from the fallout of January 6.
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