Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty in "Rust" On-Set Shooting Case
Actor Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the tragic on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of the Western movie "Rust" in New Mexico.
Baldwin, 65, entered his plea as he waived his right to an arraignment, nearly two weeks after a grand jury indicted him on January 19. This development has revived a criminal case that had previously been dismissed, raising questions about firearms safety in the production of movies and television.
The Emmy-winning actor continues to deny responsibility for Hutchins' death, insisting that he was told the gun was "cold" and only contained blank rounds. Despite the earlier dismissal of charges due to concerns about the gun's modification, new forensic tests indicate that the gun would not fire unless the trigger was pulled, contradicting Baldwin's previous claims.
The case took a new turn when special prosecutor Kari Morrissey revealed that photos and evidence suggested the live round was brought on set as early as October 10, 2021, 11 days before the fatal shooting, by the movie's weapons handler, Hannah Gutierrez, who faces separate involuntary manslaughter charges. Gutierrez's trial is set for February 21.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to raise questions about safety standards on film sets. The film's assistant director, David Halls, who handed Baldwin the gun, entered a plea deal and received a suspended sentence on a charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. The trial's focus remains on how a live round, strictly prohibited on film sets, made its way into Baldwin's gun, shaping the narratives surrounding this tragic incident.
