Alec Baldwin charged again with manslaughter over Rust movie-set shooting

New Mexico grand jury indicts US actor over death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

US actor Alec Baldwin photographed on the set of the film Rust in New Mexico in 2022. AFP

Alec Baldwin was indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico for a second time on Friday on charges of involuntary manslaughter.

It follows the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film Rust.

The indictment comes months after prosecutors dismissed previous charges filed against the actor.

Mr Baldwin's lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, issued a statement on behalf of their client saying: “We look forward to our day in court.”

Friday's indictment followed an independent forensic test concluding that Mr Baldwin would have had to pull the trigger of a revolver he was using in a rehearsal for it to fire the live round that killed Ms Hutchins. The finding was the same as a previous FBI test on the firearm.

Mr Baldwin, who starred in the hit NBC television comedy 30 Rock, has denied pulling the trigger and said he was not responsible for Ms Hutchins' death.

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

Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey previously said she would file new charges against Mr Baldwin if the independent test showed the reproduction long Colt .45 revolver was in “working condition”.

Prosecutors previously dismissed charges against Mr Baldwin based on evidence the hammer of the revolver might been modified, allowing it to fire without the trigger being pulled.

The single-page indictment filed with the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe charges Mr Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter under two alternative bases of law – causing a death by “negligent use of a firearm” and by acting “without due caution or circumspection.”

Mr Baldwin was originally charged in January 2023 with involuntary manslaughter in Ms Hutchins' death but those charges were dropped in April.

The movie's chief weapons handler, Hannah Gutierrez, was also charged. She faces a 2024 trial.