In a shocking outcome for actor Alec Baldwin, the New Mexico District Attorney announced on Thursday, January 19, her department’s decision about charges in the fatal shooting of a crew member on the set of Baldwin’s movie “Rust” in New Mexico in 2021.
Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for handling the gun that shot the cinematographer. The movie’s armorer, who loaded the gun, will be charged as well.
“You should not point a gun at someone that you’re not willing to shoot,” Santa Fe First Judicial District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, said when interviewed. “That goes to basic safety standards.”
In October last year, District Attorney Carmack-Altwies announced that her office would conduct a thorough review of the evidence and make an informed decision on whether to file charges following a year’s long investigation into the shooting.
Halyna Hutchins, 42, was shot dead as she worked on the set of the movie “Rust.” The cinematographer was shot and killed by actor and producer Alec Baldwin while he was practicing a scene with a Colt 45 revolver.
The movie director, Joel Souza, also injured at the incident, told investigators that Baldwin was facing the camera crew and practicing his cross draw when he unexpectedly fired the shot.
A search warrant affidavit reveals that Dave Halls, the first assistant director of the movie, passed the gun to Baldwin and told him it was a “cold gun,” meaning it was safe to use. He agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a weapon, in exchange for a suspended sentence and six months’ probation.
There have been questions about how live ammunition got onto the set and whether crew members took appropriate safety precautions with the weapon.
When questioned by authorities, Halls said he had no idea that there were live rounds in the gun.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter. She was the armorer for the movie, in charge of firearms and ammunition on the set. She said that she did not know where the bullets came from and was not in the church where Baldwin and the crew were rehearsing.
Her attorney, Jason Bowles, said that Gutierrez-Reed did not inspect the weapons before they were taken into the church.
Baldwin has continually excused himself from blame, saying that people who were present on the set that day know exactly who is to blame for the fatality.
On Thursday, Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, said that the decision was a “terrible miscarriage of justice.” He said that Baldwin was relying on professionals on the set and that he should not be held responsible. He said they would fight the charges.
