Alec Baldwin (64) is charged with negligent homicide after the shooting accident on the film set in New Mexico.
It became clear at a press conference the police in Santa Fe held on Thursday afternoon.
Baldwin’s colleague, weapons officer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also charged with negligent homicide, reports Sky News.
Background: Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer
State Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and Special Investigator Andrea Reeb were the ones who announced the decision to charge Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
– No one above the law
Carmack-Altwies explained that it is her mission to “ensure justice for all victims.”
– On my watch, no one is above the law, she said.
– Everyone has a right to justice, she added.
At the time of writing, none of the accused has made a statement.
Movie star Alec Baldwin was the one holding the gun that was accidentally fired on the Santa Fe, New Mexico film set in October 2021, killing the 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Sky News writes that assistant director David Halls has entered into an agreement with the police regarding charges of irresponsible use of a deadly weapon. He therefore avoids trial, but must be sentenced and six months’ probation.
Detective Reeb stated at the press conference on Thursday:
– If any of these three, Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today. It’s that simple.
Reeb further stated that the evidence shows “a pattern of neglecting security on the “Rust” set.
– In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that do not take our state’s gun safety and public safety regulations seriously, she added.
It remains a mystery how the prop weapon was fired, and not least how it was loaded. Baldwin has always maintained that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
The police quickly concluded that the incident was an accident, but they have been investigating the case for 15 months – and have always been clear that charges could be brought.
One lawsuit after another has been submitted, parallel to the fact that the police have had their own investigation going on.
Baldwin, who was both the lead actor and producer for the western along with Rust Movie Productions, went so late as in November last year to counterclaims against colleagues who had gone to court against him and the company.
The Hollywood veteran has spoken about the dramatic incident on TV:
However, the film will be completed despite the tragic event.
The “Rust” producers joined in October last year settlement with the estate of Halyna Hutchins. The agreement states that Hutchins’ widower takes over as executive producer for the recording.
However, the New Mexico attorney general told Reuters last fall that the settlement between the parties had no bearing on any future charges in the case.
Before Christmas, it was announced that filming would resume in January.
