Actor Alec Baldwin is facing another manslaughter charge for the 2021 fatal shooting on the set of the film “Rust,” according to court documents filed Friday.
Baldwin, who was holding the gun during rehearsals when it discharged a live round, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, previously had involuntary manslaughter charges dropped in April 2023 due to new evidence requiring further investigation.
Prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which decided there was enough evidence to move forward with charges. Baldwin maintains his innocence, with his attorneys reiterating their intent to defend him in court.
If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in jail. The film’s armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also set to go on trial for involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in February.
The shooting sparked discussions about safety protocols on movie sets, with investigations revealing concerns about lax procedures and the presence of live ammunition on the “Rust” set.
Despite the tragedy, filming of “Rust” resumed last year and was recently completed in Montana. Hutchins’ widower participated as an executive producer, stating his desire to honour his wife’s work while acknowledging the lack of blame in the accident.
The family of Hutchins, suing Baldwin and other producers, expressed satisfaction with the new charge, stressing their hope for both truth and accountability in the legal process.
The outcome of the cases surrounding the “Rust” shooting remains to be seen, but the incident continues to have a significant impact on the film industry and conversations about safety protocols on set.
