Actor Alec Baldwin will reportedly have the criminal charges against him dropped in the fatal on-set shooting of the movie “Rust.” Both counts of involuntary manslaughter, which Baldwin was facing for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, are in the process of being dropped by recently appointed special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis.
“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” said Baldwin’s attorneys in a statement.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that the decision was influenced, at least in part, by the findings of the investigators who conducted a detailed examination of the weapon involved – a Colt .45 revolver.
The investigators effectively examined the revolver, and found worn joints and a malfunctioning trigger control. Shockingly, it was even revealed that the gun could fire even without any pressure applied to the trigger.
The decision to drop the charges against Baldwin comes after the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office released a 500-page report on its investigation into the shooting. The report revealed that Baldwin had fired a gun with live ammunition, and it describes the chaotic events of the fatal day. But in the end, the report concludes that Hutchins’ death was an “accident.”
“Review of available law enforcement reports showed no compelling demonstration that the firearm was intentionally loaded with live ammunition on set. Based on all available information, including the absence of obvious intent to cause harm or death, the manner of death is best classified as accident,” the report reads.
Throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, Baldwin has maintained his innocence and denied culpability in Hutchins’ death. In a December 2021 interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News, Baldwin stated, “I didn’t pull the trigger” of the prop gun that fired and killed Hutchins. He further denied any responsibility for Hutchins’ tragic death.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature and the broader conversations it has sparked about on-set safety and the use of firearms in the entertainment industry. The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations and protocols when it comes to handling firearms on sets, as well as increased awareness about the potential dangers involved in using props that resemble real weapons.
