Rust shooting: Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter

Actor maintains he did not fire gun that led to death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

• 

  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

Actor Alec Baldwin was formally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal for the film Rust.

Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed the documents on Tuesday naming Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was in charge of weapons on the New Mexico set.

Baldwin and Ms Gutierrez-Reed will be issued a summons to appear in court. A judge will determine if there is enough evidence to begin a trial.

Baldwin and Ms Gutierrez-Reed have long maintained their innocence in the 2021 shooting.

Jason Bowles, a lawyer for Ms Gutierrez-Reed, said the charges are the result of a “flawed investigation” and an “inaccurate understanding of the full facts”.

David Hall, assistant director, agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.

Ms Hutchins died shortly after a firearm held by Baldwin was discharged. Baldwin was pointing the gun at Ms Hutchins's chest when the gun went off, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza.

Baldwin claims that he did not pull the trigger and that he was told there were no live rounds in the gun when it was handed to him.

An FBI report found the shooting to be an accident but said the gun that Baldwin held could not have been discharged without the trigger being pulled.

Baldwin reached a settlement with the estate of Ms Hutchins in October. As part of the settlement, Ms Hutchins's widower Matthew Hutchins will serve as executive producer on Rust.

The filming of Rust was expected to conclude with Baldwin playing the leading role and Mr Souza returning as director, USA Today reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report