The tragic shooting on the set of the movie Rust in October 2021 continues to make headlines as New Mexico prosecutors have announced their intention to recharge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter. The incident resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, and the special prosecutors in charge of the case have confirmed that they plan to seek new charges.
According to the prosecutors, “additional facts” have come to light in the case, leading them to believe that Baldwin could be held responsible for the death of Hutchins. They have stated their intention to present the case to a grand jury within the next two months. If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison.
The case against Baldwin was previously dismissed in April of this year due to new evidence that suggested the gun he was using may have been modified before he handled it, causing it to malfunction. However, the special prosecutors always maintained the right to recharge Baldwin, and recent reports have confirmed that the gun was not modified after all.
Baldwin, who has yet to comment on the latest development, has always maintained that the shooting was a tragic accident for which he bears no responsibility.
Along with Baldwin, the film’s armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Her trial is set for next February. The assistant director of the movie, Dave Halls, accepted a plea deal in March and was sentenced to six months of supervised probation for negligent use of a deadly weapon.
The incident occurred while filming a scene inside a church on October 21, when Baldwin, dressed in costume, pulled the gun from its holster and it discharged, first striking director Joel Souza and then fatally hitting Halyna. The actor was visibly shaken and inconsolable when he learned of her death and was interviewed by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
Initially, Halyna’s widower had praised Baldwin for his compassion and assistance to the family. However, in subsequent interviews, he has become more adamant that the shooting could not have been the actor’s fault. Baldwin has maintained that he repeatedly asked the armorer if the gun was “hot” or “cold” and it remains unclear how live rounds ended up on the set.
The handling of the case has been criticized, with the first prosecutor taking a year to bring charges and then giving multiple interviews to the press. Baldwin and his legal team have argued that he is being targeted and made an example of by a fame-seeking, overzealous prosecutor. The case continues to be a subject of public interest as questions surrounding the tragedy remain unanswered.