Alec Baldwin's lawyers score points at the start of the trial
In October 2021, at the set of the Western film "Rust," a shot was discharged from a pistol that Alec Baldwin was holding. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died. However, Baldwin is not being charged as a producer of the film in this process, according to his lawyers.
Approaching three years after the death of a cinematographer due to a shooting incident on the film set of the Western "Rust," Hollywood star Alec Baldwin must answer to charges in court for involuntary manslaughter. The jury selection process for the highly publicized trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is set to begin. Twelve jurors will ultimately render a verdict. With a guilty verdict, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison.
The tragic incident at Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular Western filming location in New Mexico, shook Hollywood. On October 21, 2021, the lead actor Baldwin handled a revolver during rehearsals for the Western. However, instead of harmless ammunition, live ammunition was discharged. The bullet pierced cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and then struck director Joel Souza in the shoulder. Hutchins died shortly thereafter, while Souza sustained lighter injuries. It is unclear how live ammunition made it to the set.
In Court Attire
Baldwin had appeared at a hearing with his lawyers on a Monday - in a dark suit and tie. During the hearing, the defense and prosecution engaged in a heated exchange before the judge regarding which evidence and witnesses would be allowed in the trial. The defense emphasized that Baldwin's role as an actor in the case was the only relevant factor. However, the prosecution wanted to bring up Baldwin's additional role as a co-producer of the Western, arguing that he had disregarded safety regulations, put pressure on film crew members at the set, and put them in danger.
During the hearing, there was also a debate about whether the jurors would be allowed to view videos of Baldwin handling weapons on the set. The prosecution intended to use these videos to demonstrate Baldwin's reckless behavior. The presiding judge ruled in favor of the prosecution in this matter.
The trial has been scheduled to last approximately two weeks in the courtroom. Cameras are permitted in the courtroom, and the proceedings will be livestreamed worldwide. Witnesses expected to take the stand include film crew members, investigators, and firearms experts.
Baldwin Claims Innocence
Baldwin had maintained in interviews that he had not pulled the trigger of the weapon. At the initial hearing in January, the actor and producer pleaded "not guilty." According to a firearms expert's report, the trigger must have been pulled.
In a separate trial, the armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for weapon safety on the "Rust" set, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. She had loaded the weapon with live ammunition. In April, she was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.
During the first trial, Baldwin's name frequently came up - as the lead actor and co-producer of the low-budget Western, the prosecution held Baldwin and other cast and crew members responsible for the lack of safety measures on the set. The producers were accused of disregarding safety precautions to make money quickly.
- Despite not being charged as a producer in the initial process, Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin is now facing charges in court for involuntary manslaughter related to the filming incident involving cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and a misfired pistol on the set of the Western film "Rust".
- As the trial for Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter charge begins, the legal team emphasizes that Baldwin's role as an actor is the only relevant factor, while the prosecution argues that his additional role as a co-producer of the Western should also be considered due to safety violations and pressure put on crew members.
- In the world of entertainment and cinema, the high-profile trial of Alec Baldwin in connection with the fatal accident on the set of "Rust" generates significant public interest, as live courtroom proceedings are broadcast globally and multiple witnesses from the film production, investigators, and firearms experts are set to testify.
