Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter. Source : Abhi Suryawanshi via Wikimedia Commons (Used under Creative Commons)
Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
In October 2021, Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer for the film Rust was fatally shot by a pistol held by Baldwin, which also wounded director Joel Souza.
The group were filming Rust, a Western film in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Both Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armourer will be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies issued a statement which announced the charges laid against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charged against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew.” Ms Carmack-Altwies said in a statement.
“On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.” She said.
In an interview with CNN, she explained the charges.
“Every person that handles a gun has a duty to make sure that if they’re going to handle that gun, point it at someone and pull the trigger, that it is not going to fire a projectile and kill someone.
“An actor does not get a free pass just because they are an actor.
“There was such a lack of safety and safety standards on that set…there were live rounds on set.” Ms Carmack-Altwies said.
Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas said the charges being laid is a “miscarriage of justice”, citing Baldwin was unaware of the live round in the pistol.
“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice.” Mr Nikas said.
“Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set.
“We will fight these charges, and we will win.” He said.
Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney Jason Bowles also issued a statement about the charges against his client.
“We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury.” Mr Bowles said.
“She has been emotional about the tragedy but has committed no crime.” He said.
Ms Hutchins’ family filed a lawsuit in February 2022 under the notion that the crew “failed to perform industry standard safety checks and follow basic gun safety rules”.
The family also thanked investigators and the District Attorney for their conclusion.
“We want to thank the Santa Fe Sherriff and the District Attorney for concluding their thorough investigation and determining that charges for involuntary manslaughter are warranted for.” They said.
