Prosecutors to Recharge Alec Baldwin Over 'Rust' Shooting

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Facts

  • Prosecutors in New Mexico revealed on Tuesday that they will seek to re-charge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter over the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, as additional facts have recently come to light.1
  • Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis — two New Mexico-based prosecutors — announced that they will present the new evidence to a grand jury within the next two months, arguing their case that Mr. Baldwin has criminal culpability in the fatal shooting.2
  • While rehearsing on the movie's set outside of Santa Fe, lead actor and co-producer Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins with a revolver. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident.3
  • Ballistics and forensics specialists from Arizona and New Mexico have tested the gun and concluded that it could not have been fired without the trigger being pulled.4
  • According to an earlier statement, Baldwin said the gun fired when he drew back the hammer, but not the trigger. Baldwin's lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, told the media: 'It is unfortunate that this terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court.' 5
  • Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the set's weapons supervisor, has entered a not-guilty plea to charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering in the case. The start of her trial is set for February.6

Sources: 1Reuters, 2CBS, 3USA Today, 4BBC News, 5Insider and 6Associated Press.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by USA Today. While accidentally killing someone is not the same as intentional first-degree murder, it's still possible that Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed should face criminal charges. Both individuals were negligent and careless in their handling of the gun and made fundamental mistakes. Halyna Hutchins' tragic death was entirely avoidable.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Los Angeles Times. Both Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin were told by weapons professionals that the gun was not loaded. Furthermore, it was Hutchins herself who told Baldwin to point the gun toward her as she was setting the camera up for a scene. This was an incredibly rare tragedy unforeseen by anyone on the film crew, but wrongfully indicting people won't bring Hutchins back, nor will it provide any justice.