Movie set accident - "Rust" trial against Alec Baldwin begins - what the Hollywood star is now facing
## Contents
- What is Alec Baldwin accused of?
- How did live ammunition reach the film set?
- How did Alec Baldwin react to the accusations?
- Where and how long is the trial expected to last?
- What is Alec Baldwin accused of?
- Who is expected to testify in the Alec Baldwin trial?
- What penalty does Alec Baldwin face?
Approximately three years have passed since the tragic incident on the set of the Western "Rust" on October 21, 2021. At the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular Western filming location in New Mexico, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was struck by a bullet from a revolver and died shortly thereafter. The person holding the gun was actor and producer of the film, Alec Baldwin. The trial against him begins on Tuesday.
What is Alec Baldwin accused of?
The prosecution accuses him of involuntary manslaughter. During a rehearsal in a small church on the Bonanza Creek Ranch filming location, Baldwin pointed a gun at Hutchins. Instead of blank rounds, a real bullet was discharged, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza in the shoulder. Baldwin claimed he had pulled back the hammer but not the trigger, and the gun had discharged unintentionally. After an initial indictment against Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in January 2023, the charges against Baldwin were dropped three months later. However, a firearms expert's report indicated that the trigger must have been pulled. With new evidence, the indictment against Baldwin was reinstated in January 2024 – he pleaded not guilty again.
How did live ammunition reach the film set?
Officially, it couldn't be determined who brought the live ammunition to the set. However, investigators found six live rounds among the blanks and dummy rounds on the set. In a previous trial against "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the prosecutors claimed she was responsible. She was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
How did Alec Baldwin react to the accusations?
The actor maintains his innocence. A few weeks later, he declared in a TV interview, "I didn't pull the trigger." He would never point a gun at a person and pull the trigger. He had "no idea" how the live ammunition made its way into the gun. After the initial indictment against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed in January 2023, the charges against Baldwin were dropped three months later. However, with new evidence, the indictment was reinstated in January 2024 – Baldwin pleaded not guilty again.
Where and how long is the trial expected to last?
The trial will take place at the Santa Fe District Court, about 30 kilometers from the film ranch. Nine trial days have been scheduled. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer emphasized that she would keep the attorneys in check and on schedule. Jury selection begins on Tuesday, with opening statements on Wednesday and the anticipated conclusion on the following Friday.
The essential statements will come from the crew members who were present inside the small church building where Hutchins' death occurred at the time. This includes the director Joel Souza and the assistant director David Halls. Zac Sneesby, a crew member who held a boom microphone during rehearsals, will testify that he saw Baldwin cock the gun's hammer, according to court documents, making him a potential key witness for all. In addition, the jury will hear testimony from weapons experts who claim that the gun functioned properly and could not have fired without cocking the hammer. Baldwin himself may also take the stand in his defense, but he is not required to.
What sentence does Alec Baldwin face?
In the event of a unanimous guilty verdict, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison.
Will the trial be live broadcast?
Yes. As is common in many American courtrooms, cameras are allowed in this courtroom. The trial will be broadcast live worldwide.
Judge rejects dismissal of charges against Alec Baldwin
Baldwin's attorneys had attempted to prevent the trial up until the last minute. They argued that the weapon from which the shot was fired had been damaged during later FBI investigations. This would have potentially denied them a possibly exonerating piece of evidence for their client. Previously, the defense had also filed an unsuccessful motion to dismiss the case due to procedural errors. However, the judge denied the dismissal of the case.
Despite the trial and the potential prison sentence, Baldwin announced a new family project in early June. The reality show "The Baldwins" is set to premiere on the US network TLC next year, the couple announced in an Instagram video. "We invite you into our home to experience our highs and lows, the good, the bad, the wild, and the crazy."
*See above video: This animation is said to show the fatal shot on the set of the Western "Rust." Few months after the fatal accident in October 2021, the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins reportedly filed a lawsuit against Hollywood star Alec Baldwin.
- The trial against Alec Baldwin for the fatal incident on the "Rust" set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the Santa Fe District Court.
- The prosecutor's office accuses Baldwin of involuntary manslaughter, claiming that he pointed a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal and pulled the trigger, discharging a live bullet that resulted in her death and director Joel Souza's shoulder injury.
- The trial will take place approximately 30 kilometers from the Bonanza Creek Ranch, where the tragic incident occurred on October 21, 2021.
- Six live rounds were found amongst the blanks and dummy rounds on the set, raising questions about how live ammunition had made its way onto the set.
- The public prosecutor's office confirmed that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the "Rust" armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in the incident.
- If found guilty, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison.
