The trial of actor Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’ began on July 10, 2024, in New Mexico. The prosecution, led by District Attorney Erlinda Johnson, argued that Baldwin recklessly handled the prop gun and violated ‘cardinal rules’ of firearm safety by pointing the gun at Hutchins and pulling the trigger.In their opening statement, prosecutors claimed that Baldwin had a ‘flagrant disregard for gun safety’ and ‘played make-believe with a real gun’. They also highlighted Baldwin’s request for the largest gun available on set. The prosecution plans to present evidence that the gun was functioning properly and that Baldwin did pull the trigger, contrary to his claims.Baldwin’s defense team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, countered that the actor was simply following standard procedures on a movie set and that the responsibility for weapon safety lay with the film’s armorer and assistant director. Spiro argued that ‘no actor would ever remove the safety pin from a prop gun’ and that Baldwin was ‘an actor acting’ when the incident occurred.The first witness, a sheriff’s deputy, testified about the chaotic scene following the shooting. The trial is expected to feature testimony from various witnesses, including filmmakers, investigators, and weapons experts.The case has put Hollywood norms under scrutiny and raised questions about on-set safety practices. If convicted, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison. The trial is being livestreamed and is expected to last about 8-10 days.
Key points
- Alec Baldwin’s trial for involuntary manslaughter in the ‘Rust’ shooting has begun.
- Prosecution argues Baldwin violated gun safety rules, while defense claims he was just acting.
- The trial is expected to last 8-10 days and Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting claims about whether Baldwin pulled the trigger, with the prosecution saying he did and Baldwin claiming he didn’t.
