Alec Baldwin formally charged with involuntary manslaughter

Allyson Lin, A&E

On Tuesday, New Mexico prosecutors charged Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter for the death of cinematographer Hayna Hutchins back in 2021, according to NBC news.  

On the set of “Rust,” Baldwin was reported to have been rehearsing a scene that contained the use of a pistol, and the gun Baldwin was using went off.

Baldwin was accused of skipping “required firearms training” on the set of “Rust.” Prosecutors have evidence that Baldwin “was not present for firearms training prior to filming.” 

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. According to prosecutors, she did not check each round loaded into firearms and did not allow safety protocols. Assistant director David Halls was also charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon. 

Special Investigator Robert Shilling said, “When reviewing the script and witness interviews, for this particular scene and close-up shot, evidence indicates the scene/shot did not require the weapon to be fired.” 

Investigators have also used Baldwin’s resume, saying that he’s been around guns long enough to know better. He has been in at least 40 films and TV shows that have used guns. 

District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in a statement, “In New Mexico, no one is above the law, and justice will be served,” according to CNN

If a conviction is decided, it is punishable by up to 18 months in jail with a $5,000 fine. Since there was a firearm involved, the crime could lead to up to 5 years in prison. 

Despite the setbacks, “Rust” will still be filmed and released.