Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of the Western film “Rust.” The actor co-produced the picture and pleaded not guilty in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty that was charged with involuntary manslaughter (Photo from Reuters)

Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter Unravel in Fatal ‘Rust’ Rehearsal Incident

The allegations stem from the October 2021 rehearsal shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured producer Joel Souza.

Baldwin who was charged with involuntary manslaughter claims he pushed back the hammer, not the trigger, and the gun discharged unexpectedly while pointing a gun at Hutchins during practice. A conviction could land the actor in prison for 18 months.

Baldwin is free on condition that he not own firearms, drink alcohol, or go abroad. Contact with witnesses is limited to promoting the unreleased film “Rust.”

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Alec Baldwin’s Involuntary Manslaughter Charges and ‘Rust’ Crew Face Reckoning in High-Stakes Trial

The grand jury indictment gives prosecutors two ways to be charged with involuntary manslaughter with a felony: careless firearm usage or recklessly causing Hutchins’ death. In April 2023, charges were withdrawn due to concerns about the handgun being modified before the occurrence. “Rust” crew members and weapons forensics experts testified before the grand jury.

The film’s weapons supervisor, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, faces a February 22 trial for charged with involuntary manslaughter. She entered a not-guilty plea.

Civil cases against Baldwin and “Rust” producers allege low safety standards and wrongful death. The film’s associate director, David Halls, pleaded not guilty to firearm mishandling and received probation for cooperating with the inquiry.

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