Alec Baldwin formally charged in fatal 'Rust' shooting 

Alec Baldwin was formally charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set for the Western movie “Rust,” according to court documents filed by prosecutors on Tuesday. 

According to the charging documents, Baldwin and weapons specialist Hannah Gutierrez-Reed deviated from known safety standards on the set, causing the death of Halyna Hutchins. 

“Today, we have taken another important step in securing justice for Halyna Hutchins,” New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said. “In New Mexico, no one is above the law and justice will be served.”

Hutchins was killed while filming the movie at a ranch near Santa Fe in October 2021 after a prop gun that Baldwin was holding went off. The gunshot also wounded the film’s director, Joel Souza. 

According to investigators, the weapon used during the filming should have been a replica gun per industry standards. Additionally, they claim that Baldwin failed to appear for mandatory firearms training prior to the filming of the movie. 

The two manslaughter charges filed on Tuesday against Baldwin provide two alternative standards and sentences. The first alternative, which requires proof of negligence, could lead to up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. The second alternative is a reckless disregard for safety which could lead to a mandatory five-year prison sentence. 

Prosecutors said that the jury can decide which definition of manslaughter to pursue.

Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed have maintained their innocence and have said that they will fight the charges. 

“Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set,” said Baldwin’s attorney in a statement. “He relied on the professionals with whom he worked.”