In 2021, Alec Baldwin was practicing a scene for his movie Rust at a ranch outside Albuquerque, New Mexico when the gun he was pointing at the camera was accidentally discharged. The accidental gunfire, unfortunately, resulted in the death of cinematographer Hutchins and an injury to the director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, argued that he should not be held criminally accountable for the incident as he wasn’t aware that the weapon was loaded.
Earlier in April 2023, the New Mexico special prosecutors had dropped the charges against Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter. However, according to the latest reports, the 65-year-old actor may be liable for the charges once again.
Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ Incident: Latest Updates
A new report from Santa Fe County special prosecutors Jason J. Lewis and Kari T. Morrissey on August 2 stated that the rifle had not been altered.
In the report, forensic science consultant Michael G. Haag of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and firearms specialist Lucien C. Haag of Carefree, Arizona, took a look at the Colt.45 prop revolver, the cartridges, and the filming footage. The two experts declared that, after replacing some of the broken components which had been discovered by the FBI, the gun was released as it was intended.
Firearms specialist Lucien C Haag wrote,
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”
“From an examination of the fired cartridge case and the operationally restored evidence revolver, this fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger.”
The report featured frames from the set videos that the experts were given which depicted Baldwin wearing Western clothing inside a makeshift church. According to Haag, he could be seen in one clip
“cocking the silver-colored hammer of a long-barreled revolver with his right index finger ending up on or near the trigger.”
Haag further added that Baldwin’s right index finger was visible in two additional frames, “inside the trigger guard and either on, or near, the trigger.”
A motion was presented on behalf of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who is still being charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case. The motion included the report’s findings and requested that the jury be instructed on the concept of causation.
Where Is Alec Baldwin Now?
Until the latest reports, Alec Baldwin was known to be back on the sets of Rust. However, with the latest developments in the case, it is likely that Baldwin may need to shelve the shooting once again. The movie was halted back in 2021 after the unfortunate incident which took a life.
Alec Baldwin may be facing serious charges if the reports are concluded and he is found guilty. The prosecutors had already declared that if it was confirmed that the gun was not defective, Baldwin would be charged once more. However, whether or not this will happen is uncertain. A statement from the prosecutor’s filing in June stated the following,
“If it is determined that the gun did not malfunction, charges against Mr. Baldwin will proceed.”
Alec Baldwin gained early recognition for his role on the TV series 30 Rock, where he portrayed the witty and unpredictable character Jack Donaghy. In addition to his television work, Baldwin has an impressive filmography. He’s starred in a variety of films spanning different genres, showcasing his acting range. Some of his notable movies include The Hunt for Red October, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Departed, and Beetlejuice.
