A high-profile trial involving Alec Baldwin centered on the tragic shooting incident during the filming of the movie “Rust” in 2021, commences Tuesday with the selection of a jury tasked to determine Baldwin’s responsibility in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred when Baldwin, preparing for a scene rehearsal, inadvertently discharged a live round from a prop gun, fatally injuring Hutchins and wounding the film’s director.
Baldwin, a prominent figure in Hollywood, maintains that he was unaware the gun contained live ammunition and did not intentionally pull the trigger. Prosecutors argue that Baldwin acted recklessly on set and alleged inconsistencies in his recounting of events since the tragic incident unfolded in October 2021.
Despite multiple attempts by Baldwin’s legal team to have the case dismissed, all have been unsuccessful. On Monday, Baldwin was present at a final pre-trial hearing, diligently taking notes on a yellow legal pad which he kept in a Barnes & Noble tote bag.
The process of jury selection will commence on Tuesday, with opening arguments expected on Wednesday. The trial is set to take place in New Mexico and is anticipated to last approximately 10 days.
Given Baldwin’s celebrity status and the rarity of on-set fatalities, the case has garnered widespread global attention, drawing varied reactions. Supporters of Baldwin perceive him as a victim, suggesting that his prosecution is influenced by his fame and liberal leanings. Conversely, critics view the incident as a preventable consequence of Baldwin’s purportedly negligent behavior as a movie star.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey criticized Baldwin’s conduct on the set of “Rust,” characterizing him as lacking control over his emotions and displaying indifference toward the impact of his actions on others.
If convicted, Baldwin faces a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison. It remains uncertain whether he will choose to testify in his own defense.
The tragedy unfolded nearly three years ago during a rehearsal at a chapel on the Bonanza Creek Ranch, disrupting the filming of “Rust.” Baldwin, rehearsing a scene where his character draws a revolver, asserts he was assured the gun was safe and did not intend to fire it, following instructions from Hutchins.
The use of live ammunition is strictly prohibited on film sets, and Baldwin has argued that verifying the gun’s safety was not his responsibility as an actor.
Filming of “Rust” was halted following the incident but resumed the following year in Montana.
Earlier this year, the film’s armorer was convicted of manslaughter in the same courthouse, highlighting potential parallels in the case against Baldwin. The armorer’s defense contended that Baldwin had violated fundamental gun safety principles, including never aiming a firearm at someone unless prepared to fire it.
The trial marks a critical juncture for Baldwin, who faced numerous legal challenges leading up to the proceedings. While a judge recently ruled out prosecutorial arguments linking Baldwin’s role as a producer on “Rust” to increased culpability, the trial’s commencement is already seen as a victory for prosecutors.
Baldwin’s defense team previously sought to discredit the case, citing damage to the gun by an FBI testing lab that they claimed prevented a fair trial. However, the judge’s decision to proceed with the trial suggests otherwise, underscoring the gravity of the charges Baldwin now faces.
