Actor faces charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Alec Baldwin will appear in court for the first time on February 24, 2023, to face charges related to the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust in October 2021. The actor has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter alongside the film’s armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
The Santa Fe District Attorney’s office officially filed the charges on Tuesday, outlining Baldwin’s alleged recklessness in the lead-up to the incident. According to the DA’s statement, Baldwin’s actions on the day of the shooting directly led to Hutchins’ death, citing multiple instances of negligence and failure to adhere to safety protocols on set.
Baldwin is accused of failing to attend mandatory firearms training, instead opting for a brief on-set session, during which he was reportedly distracted by a phone call. The DA’s statement also pointed to a series of reckless acts or omissions in the 10 days leading up to the tragedy.
The actor will appear at Santa Fe Magistrates Court for his arraignment hearing, which is expected to be virtual. The court session will determine whether Baldwin is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which carries penalties ranging from 18 months in jail to a £4,000 fine, depending on the charge. A second charge, which includes a firearm enhancement, could lead to a mandatory five-year sentence.
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are both facing charges in the alternative, meaning the jury will decide under which definition of involuntary manslaughter the defendants should be convicted. The case continues to draw significant attention, as Baldwin’s alleged failure to follow safety measures has raised questions about responsibility on set.
