Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in 'Rust' film shooting

Actor Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty on Thursday to involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set for the Western movie “Rust,” according to court documents waiving his first court appearance. 

The actor was initially set to appear in court on Friday. However, he waived his first appearance. Baldwin was released on personal recognizance as long as he does not own a gun, abstains from alcohol, and doesn’t speak to other witnesses of the shooting, the court documents say. 

“Defendant is permitted to have contact with potential witnesses only… in connection with completing the Rust movie and other related and unrelated business matters,” state District Judge Mary Marlowe said in a signed order.

However, Baldwin “is not permitted to discuss the accident at issue” with those potential witnesses.

Cinematographer Halyna 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 during rehearsals. 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 before the filming of the movie. 

Baldwin, 64, and weapons specialist Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 25, were formally charged with involuntary manslaughter in January. If found guilty they could face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.