TUCSON, ARIZONA – Actor Alec Baldwin made his appearance at a New Mexico courthouse as his trial began for a fatal shooting on the film set of “Rust.” Baldwin, 66, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021. The incident occurred during a rehearsal scene when a gun Baldwin was holding discharged, fatally striking Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Jury selection kicked off on Tuesday, with opening statements scheduled for the following day. Baldwin, known for his roles in “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He maintains that he did not pull the trigger of the gun, arguing that it went off when he cocked the revolver’s hammer. His defense team asserts that other crew members were responsible for ensuring the weapon’s safety.
Prosecutors counter this claim, labeling it as “absurd” and arguing that Baldwin failed to disclose this information during initial interviews. They insist that he had a duty to adhere to basic gun safety protocols. The trial will delve into the details of what transpired on the set of “Rust” and seek to assign accountability for the tragic outcome.
The court documents revealed that neither Baldwin nor others on set were aware of the live ammunition in the gun. The film’s armor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, had brought a box of live bullets to the set, which ultimately led to the fatal incident. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Legal experts anticipate intense debates during the trial over whether Baldwin pulled the trigger or if there was a malfunction with the gun. The defense faces the challenge of elucidating the dynamics of a film set to the jury, emphasizing the actor’s reliance on the armorers and safety coordinators to ensure a secure work environment.
While Baldwin is not currently scheduled to testify, the possibility remains open as the trial progresses. Regardless of the trial’s outcome, civil suits await Baldwin, including one from Hutchins’s family alleging negligence. The aftermath of the tragic incident has not only impacted Baldwin’s career, but also prompted a shift in his professional endeavors, such as starring in a reality show with his family.