Gina Heslop
Alec Baldwin faces involuntary manslaughter charges following a new video obtained by NBC News, showing him handling prop guns on the set of ‘Rust.’ This is the second time he has been charged; the first charges in January 2023 were dropped in April. If found guilty, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. His attorneys express readiness for the court proceedings.
The video displays Baldwin’s careful handling of the prop guns and concern for crew safety. The footage was recorded days before a tragic incident where a prop gun fired a live round, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Prosecutors believe new evidence connects Baldwin to safety recklessness on set, leading to the case being presented to a grand jury.
This development comes six months after Baldwin’s initial charges were dismissed, with recent discussions of a plea deal halted. The ongoing debate revolves around who is to blame for Hutchins’ death, as the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, also faces involuntary manslaughter charges. The assistant director, David Halls, entered a plea agreement earlier.
Baldwin’s potential re-charging marks a significant legal turn, ending a series of recent wins. In February, his charges were downgraded after the removal of a mandatory firearm enhancement.
Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb’s departure, deemed ‘unconstitutional,’ added to the legal wins. However, the recent news suggests a shift in fortunes, potentially requiring Baldwin to face trial again, where he would maintain his innocence.
The outcome remains uncertain, with the legal process awaiting Baldwin once more. The tragic incident on the set of ‘Rust’ continues to unravel, shedding light on safety standards in the film industry and the consequences of lapses in protocol.
