Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of Rust, prosecutors announced on Thursday.
“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew,” District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in a statement.
“On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”
Ms Carmack-Altwies has also brought involuntary manslaughter charges against Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the on-set armourer who was in charge of weapons.
The film’s first assistant director, David Halls, has agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
Ms Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded when a gun Baldwin was holding during a rehearsal in October 2021 fired a live bullet.
The moment Alec Baldwin learnt of Halyna Hutchins death
The 30 Rock and Working Girl actor, who was also a producer on Rust, has denied responsibility for the shooting.
Baldwin has said he was told the gun was “cold” — an industry term meaning it is safe to use — and that he did not pull the trigger. He has sued crew members for negligence.
An FBI forensic test of the single-action revolver found it “functioned normally” and would not fire without the trigger being pulled.
New Mexico's Medical Investigator Office has ruled the shooting an accident, saying the gun did not appear to have been deliberately loaded with a live round.
Authorities have been trying to determine how a real bullet made its way to the movie set.
Ms Hutchins's family settled a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and other producers last year.
Under the agreement, filming on the low-budget movie is set to resume this month, with Ms Hutchins's husband as an executive producer.
-
Alec Baldwin outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film 'Rust', which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. AP -
A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the car park outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. AP -
The entrance to the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters -
The entrance to the Bonanza Creek Ranch used for film shoots. AP -
A vehicle from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office exiting the set of 'Rust'. Reuters -
Media crews outside the gate of the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters -
Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of 'Rust'. AP -
Journalists outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. AP -
Security guards block the Bonanza Creek Ranch. AP -
The Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed, one day after the incident. Photo: Roberto E Rosales / Albuquerque Journal -
A sign points to the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. AFP -
A security guard speaks with a compliance officer from the State of New Mexico at the Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed. AFP -
Security guards at the entrance of the 'Rust' film set. AP -
A vigil in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held in the honour of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. AP -
A candle bearing Halyna Hutchins's name is placed among others during a vigil in her honour. AP -
A large crowd of movie industry workers and New Mexico residents attend the candlelight vigil. AP -
New Mexico residents at the vigil. AP -
Members of the local film community mourn the loss of Halyna Hutchins. Reuters -
Film industry worker Jake Extine pays his respects. AP -
A sign calling for workplace safety at the vigil. Reuters -
People light candles to honour Halyna Hutchins. AP
Additional reporting by Lisa Richwine
