Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been anything but ordinary. The 66-year-old actor, known for his roles in “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” is facing charges related to the tragic shooting on the set of the Western film “Rust” in October 2021. The incident resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza. As the trial commenced, Baldwin’s actions both inside and outside the courtroom have drawn significant attention.
On the first day of the trial, a small crowd of local spectators gathered outside the courthouse, holding signs demanding justice for Hutchins and calling for increased safety measures on film sets. Among them was Janelle Rogers, a background actor from Albuquerque who had appeared on “Better Call Saul.” Rogers expressed her frustration with the industry’s safety standards, stating, “There is no safety on set. Safety is a must on set regardless of who you are or where you are. Halyna Hutchins shouldn’t have died.”
Rogers, who had a friend working as an extra on “Rust,” believes that multiple people were responsible for the tragic incident. “I blame a lot of people for her death. It’s multiple people. Just because you’re an actor or not a producer, doesn’t mean you’re exempt,” she said. Rogers also criticized Baldwin for his upcoming reality TV show “The Baldwins,” which she described as a “publicity stunt.”
Baldwin, who faces one count of involuntary manslaughter and up to 18 months in prison if convicted, has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, argued that Baldwin did not “intentionally” pull the trigger and that the blame should lie with others on set, including the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Spiro claimed that Baldwin was simply doing his job as an actor when the gun, which was not supposed to contain a live round, discharged.
Prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo, however, argued that Baldwin “played make-believe with a real gun” and violated gun safety rules, contributing to the fatal incident. The trial has drawn significant media attention, with Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria, and his brother, Stephen Baldwin, present in the courtroom.
In a surprising turn of events, Baldwin left the courtroom during the trial to get coffee, stunning his attorney and onlookers. After the court proceedings, Baldwin and Hilaria were seen shopping in downtown Santa Fe and visiting a Starbucks with their toddler. Baldwin signed autographs for fans inside the coffee shop, with one local resident, Lucille Roybal, describing him as “a very sweet man.”
The trial has also sparked discussions about gun safety on film sets and the responsibilities of actors and crew members. Rachel Jarrell, a stay-at-home mom from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, attended the trial to advocate for stricter gun safety laws and to seek justice for Hutchins. Jarrell criticized Baldwin’s reality show, saying, “I think that was wild to capitalize off a tragedy for fame. I thought that was sad.”
Santa Fe resident Frank Winberly, 81, expressed skepticism about Baldwin’s claims that he did not pull the trigger. “The hammer won’t fall unless you pull the trigger,” Winberly said. “I think he pulled the trigger.”
The trial has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Baldwin, who has faced public scrutiny and legal challenges since the incident. In a poignant moment, Baldwin was seen trying to contact his wife, Hilaria, from the sheriff’s office shortly after the shooting. “Can you hear me?” he asked repeatedly, struggling to process the gravity of the situation.
Baldwin’s life has been marked by controversies, but the “Rust” incident has been a particularly harrowing experience. He has expressed deep remorse for Hutchins’ death, telling investigators, “I shot this woman with a gun today. If you don’t think I feel really, really shitty about that, I do.”
The actor has also faced lawsuits from multiple members of the “Rust” crew and Hutchins’ family. Despite the legal battles, Baldwin has continued to work on completing the film, which has become a central part of a legal settlement with Hutchins’ husband, who is now an executive producer on the project.
Throughout the ordeal, Baldwin has relied heavily on his wife, Hilaria, for support. The couple has shared their experiences on social media, with Baldwin posting a photo of Hilaria from the early days of their relationship and expressing his gratitude for her unwavering support.
The trial has also highlighted the challenges faced by those who accidentally cause harm to others. Baldwin has experienced vivid nightmares and a persistent need to replay the events leading up to the shooting. He has hired private investigators to explore various theories about the incident, including the possibility of sabotage, although he now believes it was an accident.
In a prime-time interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Baldwin discussed the shooting and his feelings of guilt and responsibility. The interview was a controversial move, with some advising against it, but Baldwin felt compelled to share his side of the story.
As the trial continues, Baldwin’s actions and the outcome of the case will be closely watched by the public and the film industry. The incident has already led to calls for increased safety measures on film sets and a reevaluation of the responsibilities of actors and crew members when handling firearms.
Source: NY Post, New York Magazine
