Fewer than three weeks before Alec Baldwin’s trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, prosecutors have accused the actor of engaging in reckless behavior with firearms on the set of “Rust.” Baldwin faces involuntary manslaughter charges for the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. New court documents reveal that prosecutors plan to present evidence showing Baldwin’s alleged “horseplay” with a revolver, including firing a blank round at a crew member before the fatal incident.
Prosecutors claim Baldwin’s conduct on set was erratic and aggressive, creating potential safety hazards. They allege that Baldwin pointed his gun and fired a blank round at a crew member, using the individual as a perceived target. Additionally, Baldwin reportedly asked for the “biggest” gun available and used it to direct crew members, fired it after scenes were cut, and placed his finger on the trigger in scenes that did not require shooting. He also allegedly rushed the film’s armorer to reload faster and was inattentive during firearms training, distracted by texting and video chatting with family.
Minutes before the 911 call reporting the shooting of Hutchins and director Joel Souza, Baldwin was photographed manipulating his prop gun with his finger inside the trigger guard and his thumb on the hammer. Prosecutors also allege that when filming resumed in Montana the following year, Baldwin insisted on not following safety recommendations made by film set safety experts.
Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charges. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison. In April, the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of the same charges Baldwin now faces. Baldwin has repeatedly tried to have the charges dismissed and previously refused a plea deal.
Separate from Baldwin’s criminal prosecution, Hutchins’ family has renewed their negligence lawsuit against Baldwin and other producers and crew, arguing that Hutchins’ death was caused by reckless behavior. The lawsuit claims that live ammunition was allowed on the movie set, guns and ammunition were left unattended, and Baldwin inexplicably pointed and fired a gun at Hutchins.
Baldwin recently announced that he and his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, along with their seven children, will star in a reality TV show about their family. The timing of the announcement, just before the Santa Fe trial, has been criticized as a public relations move to influence the jury pool.
In an interview with ABC News, Baldwin maintained that he did not pull the trigger of his Colt .45 when the gun discharged, killing Hutchins. However, New Mexico special prosecutors are determined to prove that Baldwin did pull the trigger and acted recklessly throughout the filming of “Rust.”
Special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Erlinda Johnson have previewed the evidence they intend to introduce at the July trial. This includes videos and photographic evidence showing Baldwin acting carelessly, such as an image of his finger on the trigger while preparing for scenes. Baldwin’s attorneys have declined to comment on the latest court filings.
The prosecutors allege that Baldwin did not take gun safety seriously. During his sole gun training session, Baldwin engaged in horseplay with the revolver and was distracted by texting and video chatting with family. As one of the film’s producers, Baldwin contributed to the unsafe conditions by taking control of the set and ordering crew members to work faster.
Grand jurors determined there was sufficient evidence that Baldwin acted negligently by pointing a loaded gun at Hutchins without first checking the weapon for ammunition. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also injured in the shooting but recovered.
Baldwin’s attorneys have argued that the criminal charges should be dismissed, claiming that the state is trying to convict Baldwin for an accident caused by others’ mistakes. However, a judge denied their motion, clearing the way for Baldwin’s trial, which is scheduled to start on July 9 with jury selection.
The two sides are also debating whether the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, should be called as a witness. Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Prosecutors want Gutierrez to testify about Baldwin’s alleged conduct with his gun on set.
The movie “Rust” centers on a 13-year-old boy who goes on the run with his estranged outlaw grandfather, played by Baldwin, after being sentenced to death for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Baldwin co-wrote the movie with Souza.
Prosecutors intend to introduce evidence showing Baldwin’s reckless behavior with firearms, including a photo taken minutes before the fatal shooting and a video clip showing Baldwin cocking the gun and possibly pulling the trigger. Movie industry firearms safety guidelines instruct actors never to put their finger on the trigger until ready to shoot, treat all firearms as though loaded, and not point a gun at anyone unless absolutely necessary.
The trial is expected to last eight days, with both sides presenting their evidence and arguments.
