Alec Baldwin to be Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter Over Rust Shooting
Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter for handling the gun on the set of Rust that discharged and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
As reported by the New York Times, New Mexico prosecutors announced the charge on January 19 for both Baldwin and Rust's armourer, Hannah Gutierrez. First assistant director David Halls, who handed Baldwin the gun, will plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
"If any one of these three people — Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls — had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today. It’s that simple," said special prosecutor Andrea Reeb in a statement.
"The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the Rust film set. In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that don’t take our state’s commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously."
Baldwin has maintained his innocence since the incident that took place in October 2021, saying in December of that year that he "didn't pull the trigger" and had "no idea" how the gun discharged.
No real ammunition was meant to be on the set of Rust but authorities found five additional live rounds on set following the shooting, including on top of a prop cart.
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