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Alec Baldwin is to be charged with involuntary manslaughter over the accidental shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the low-budget western “Rust,” a prosecutor said Thursday.
Baldwin was holding the Colt. 45 during rehearsals for the film when it discharged, killing Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza in October 2021.
The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was responsible for the weapon, will also be charged with the same crime, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced.
If convicted, they both face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
“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 charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the ‘Rust’ film crew,” Carmack-Altwies said.
“On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”
Baldwin has repeatedly said he was told by crew that the gun was not loaded.
The former “30 Rock” star has also previously said he did not pull the trigger, though experts have cast doubt on this claim.
Live rounds on set
Assistant director David Halls, who handed Baldwin the weapon and told him it was “cold” — industry speak for safe — has agreed to plead guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon.
He will serve a suspended sentence and six months of probation, a statement said.
No charges will be filed over the injury to Souza.
A lengthy investigation has looked at how the live round — and five others — got onto the New Mexico film set, with attention focused on the armorer and ammunition supplier.
Investigators found Gutierrez Reed had put the fatal round in Baldwin’s gun, instead of using a similar-looking dummy round.
Detectives probing the tragedy spoke of a lax attitude to safety on the set, and crew…
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