Actor Alec Baldwin faces a renewed charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic incident on the set of the movie “Rust,” where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. This marks the second time Baldwin has been charged in this case.
The charge stems from an incident in October 2021, during the filming of the Western “Rust” around Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Hutchins was fatally struck by a live round fired from a prop gun. The indictment states, “The above named defendant did cause the death of Halyna Hutchins by an act committed with the total disregard of indifference for the safety of others.”
Baldwin has consistently rejected the allegations, asserting that he did not pull the trigger of the gun that led to Hutchins’ death. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also wounded in the incident.
Originally, Baldwin faced the same charge in January 2022, brought by the Santa Fe district attorney. He pleaded not guilty, and the initial charges were dismissed in April of that year after it was concluded that further examination of the weapon was required. However, the district attorney had indicated the possibility of refiling the charges.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer responsible for the weapons on the “Rust” set, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Gutierrez-Reed has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
If convicted, Baldwin could be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison.
The name of this Western should be “Bang! Bang!”
Baldwin got triggered.