Alec Baldwin charged over shooting on Rust set
Updated 31/1/23: Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.
Formal charges were filed against Baldwin, and the film's armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, on Tuesday (January 31) due to allegations of negligent use of a deadly weapon, according to the criminal complaint cited in court.
A spokesperson for the New Mexico district attorney told NBC News: "The District Attorney and the special prosecutor are fully focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins.
"The evidence and the facts speak for themselves."
Baldwin will now have to appear in court within the next 15 days as a legal process begins where a judge decides whether there is enough evidence for him to stand trial. The actor has denied any responsibility for the October 2021 accidental killing of Halyna Hutchins.
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Original: Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins.
In October 2021, cinematographer Hutchins was tragically killed on the set of Western movie Rust by a live round fired by Baldwin from a prop gun.
According to the BBC, Hannah-Gutierrez Reed, the film's armourer, will also be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter – one count means they both face up to 18 months in jail as well as a fine of over £4,000 if found guilty, whilst the other more serious count of involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act could result in five years imprisonment.
Santa Fe's District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in a statement: "Actor and producer Alec Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. I have determined that there is sufficient evidence. On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice."
Baldwin was both an actor and producer on the set, and so will be charged for the act of shooting the gun and for considerations of the overall safety of the set.
Baldwin's attorney, Luke Nikas, said in a statement (via Deadline): "This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins' tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice. Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win,"
Meanwhile, Gutierrez-Reed's attorneys, Jason Bowles and Todd J. Bullion, said: "Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter. These charges are the result of a very flawed investigation, and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury."
Director Joel Souza was also wounded in the shooting, however no charges have been filed in connection to his injuries.
Related: Dwayne Johnson will stop using real guns in his movies following Rust tragedy
In response to the announcement charges are being brought, Hutchins' family released a statement: "We want to thank the Santa Fe Sheriff and the District Attorney for concluding their thorough investigation and determining that charges for involuntary manslaughter are warranted for the killing of Halyna Hutchins with conscious disregard for human life. Our independent investigation also supports charges are warranted.
"It is a comfort to the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law. We support the charges, will fully cooperate with this prosecution, and fervently hope the justice system works to protect the public and hold accountable those who break the law."
In October 2022, it was announced that Rust would resume production in January 2023 following a settlement with Hutchins' family, which included Hutchins being credited as an executive producer on the movie.
Though the settlement originally meant a case of wrongful death against the producers of Rust would be dismissed, a review of the evidence, particularly the fact live and dummy rounds of ammunition were mixed together, has led to the charges being made.
Carmack-Altwies added (via CNN): "An actor does not get a free pass just because they are an actor. That is what is so important. We are saying here in New Mexico, that everyone is equal under the law."
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