New Mexico prosecutors are planning to recharge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic shooting incident that took place on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021.
Baldwin had previously faced a manslaughter charge, which was later dropped, but prosecutors have now decided to convene a grand jury to further investigate the case.
The shooting incident resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and left director Joel Souza injured. In addition to Baldwin, the armorer of the production, Hannah Gutierrez, has also been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Usually @AlecBaldwin is such a great actor, I just don't buy his performance here
"The moment Alec Baldwin learned he accidentally killed producer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, after he was handed a loaded gun as a prop" pic.twitter.com/whujDyZm3g
— 🌴 Josh Lekach 🌴 (@JoshLekach) October 12, 2023
The decision to reopen the case and bring new charges against Baldwin comes after a thorough examination of the evidence and witness testimonies. The Santa Fe County District Attorney initially charged Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter under a version of New Mexico’s firearm law. However, the case was dismissed, pending further investigation.
Prosecutors have voiced their commitment to pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring accountability for all parties involved in the tragedy. They will thoroughly present the evidence to the grand jury, which will determine whether there is enough cause to proceed with the charges.
Alec Baldwin, known for his extensive acting career, has faced public scrutiny and media attention following the incident. He has expressed remorse and deep sorrow for the loss of life and injuries that occurred as a result of the shooting. Baldwin’s legal team has not yet issued a statement regarding the potential refiled charges.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the responsible handling of firearms on film sets. The film industry continues to evaluate and implement measures to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
