Alec Baldwin's Rust Shooting Trial Begins: Key Points to Know
A jury has been selected for Alec Baldwin’s trial regarding a fatal shooting on the Rust film set in New Mexico. Baldwin, 66, faces an involuntary manslaughter charge, which he denies, for the October 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. During a rehearsal, a gun Baldwin was handling discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and the injury of director Joel Souza.
The jury, consisting of 12 members and four alternates, was finalized after extensive questioning by both prosecutors and Baldwin’s defense team. Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday morning in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, known for roles in “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” attended court with his wife, Hilaria, and other family members. He has pleaded not guilty, maintaining he did not pull the trigger, and argues it was the crew’s responsibility to ensure the gun’s safety. Prosecutors, however, have dismissed this claim, arguing Baldwin had a duty to follow basic gun safety protocols.
Incident on the Rust Set:
In October 2021, during a rehearsal on the Rust set near Santa Fe, Baldwin was practicing a scene that required him to draw and point a revolver. The gun discharged, hitting Hutchins in the chest and Souza in the shoulder. Hutchins was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries, while Souza was taken by ambulance. Court documents reveal that Baldwin and others were unaware the gun was loaded with live ammunition.
The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, had brought live rounds to the set, which spread over 12 days. Gutierrez-Reed was charged and found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, receiving an 18-month prison sentence. Assistant director David Halls also pleaded guilty to unsafe firearm handling.
Key Points in the Trial:
A central issue in the trial is whether Baldwin pulled the trigger or if the gun malfunctioned. Baldwin told ABC News that he did not pull the trigger, which has limited his defense strategy. Prosecutors have depicted Baldwin as reckless with firearms, citing an FBI report that concluded the gun’s trigger had to be pulled to discharge. Baldwin’s lawyers criticized the FBI’s destruction of the gun during testing, arguing it deprived them of examining the weapon properly.
Expectations for the Trial:
Prosecutors will argue that Baldwin neglected basic gun safety, emphasizing that anyone handling a gun must ensure it is not loaded with live rounds and never point it at someone. Although Baldwin’s role as producer will not be included in the trial, his defense must clarify the responsibilities on a film set. Defense lawyer Tre Lovell notes the importance of showing the jury that actors rely on crew members for safety.
Baldwin’s Potential Testimony and Sentence:
Baldwin is not currently scheduled to testify, but his defense may decide based on the trial’s progress. Legal experts often advise against defendants testifying to avoid cross-examination. The trial is expected to last 10 days.
If convicted, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison. Even if acquitted, he still faces several civil lawsuits, including one from Hutchins’ family alleging negligence. Baldwin has reported difficulty finding acting work since the incident. In May, Baldwin and his wife announced a reality show featuring their family, set to air next year.
