Prosecutors Contend Alec Baldwin’s Behavior on “Rust” Movie Set Led to Fatal Shooting of Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins
In a recent legal filing, the special prosecutors handling the case involving the fatal shooting on the “Rust” movie set in New Mexico have argued that actor Alec Baldwin’s conduct contributed to the safety compromises that ultimately resulted in cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ death in 2021.
Prosecutors Respond to Motion to Dismiss Indictment Against Baldwin
The filing comes after Baldwin’s legal team submitted a motion in March to dismiss the indictment against the actor. Prosecutors contend that Baldwin’s account of the events leading up to the shooting have been inconsistent, and he exhibited a lack of emotional control on set.
Baldwin Demanded Faster Work and Disregarded Safety Concerns, Prosecutors Allege
According to the filing obtained by various media outlets, during his first few days on set, Baldwin pressured the crew and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed to work faster, which frequently compromised safety. Witnesses testified that Baldwin’s relentless pushing for quicker progress on the set contributed to an overall unsafe environment.
Baldwin’s Alleged Behavior Contributed to Safety Compromises, Filing States
Frequently screaming and cursing at crew members, Baldwin exhibited a blatant disregard for the well-being of those around him. The filing states that “witnesses have testified that it was this exact conduct that contributed to safety compromises on set.”
Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Charge in Hutchins’ Death
Baldwin, who also served as a producer on the film, pleaded not guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge in January 2023. The incident left Hutchins dead and injured director Joel Souza when a gun Baldwin was handling discharged a live round during a scene rehearsal on the western film’s set.
Gutierrez Reed Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
Gutierrez Reed, who was responsible for firearm safety and storage on the movie’s set, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March 2023. She faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Prosecutors Criticize Baldwin’s Post-Incident Statements
The filing also takes issue with public statements made by Baldwin after the incident, accusing him of attempting to sway public opinion.
Baldwin’s Legal Team Denounces Case Against Actor
In their March filing, Baldwin’s lawyers denounced the case against him, requesting to dismiss the indictment and asserting that prosecutors had “publicly dragged Baldwin through the cesspool created by their improprieties—without any regard for the fact that serious criminal charges have been hanging over his head for two and a half years.”
Combination of Baldwin’s Lack of Concern and Gutierrez Reed’s Negligence Led to Tragic Outcome
The filing further states that “the combination of Hannah Gutierrez’s negligence and inexperience and Alec Baldwin’s complete lack of concern for the safety of those around him would prove deadly for Halyna Hutchins.”
