Alec Baldwin Found Responsible for Pulling Trigger in 'Rust' Shooting, Potential Legal Consequences Remain

Actor Alec Baldwin not facing criminal charges for fatal shooting

Actor Alec Baldwin will not face criminal charges for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust." However, there is a possibility that he could face charges in the future.

State of New Mexico hires experts

The State of New Mexico has hired experts who concluded that the trigger of the Colt .45 revolver used in the incident must have been pulled with enough force to cause the accident.

Baldwin maintains innocence

Actor Alec Baldwin maintains his innocence in the shooting incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Although he claims he never pulled the trigger, Baldwin had a prop firearm in his hand when the incident occurred.

Initial charges dismissed

The Santa Fe County District Attorney's Office initially charged Baldwin with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023. However, these charges were dismissed without prejudice in April, leaving the possibility for future charges to be filed.

Firearms report contradicts Baldwin's denial

According to a firearms report obtained by People, Alec Baldwin's denial of pulling the trigger in the fatal shooting incident is contradicted by tests, findings, and observations. The report states that the trigger had to be pulled or depressed enough to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the revolver. It concludes that the incident occurred because the hammer was manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position, followed by the pull or depression of the trigger at some point.

Gun damage and modifications

According to a report, a gun involved in an incident had severe damage to its hammer, trigger, and cylinder stop. However, there was no evidence of any modifications made to the gun.

Possibility of future charges

Prosecutors have stated that actor Alec Baldwin could still face charges in the future related to the accidental shooting on the set of the movie "Rust." The charges against Baldwin were dismissed without prejudice, meaning they can be refiled, because the possible malfunction of the gun could affect the causation of the incident. The gun and broken sear have been sent for further testing, and if it is determined that the gun did not malfunction, charges against Baldwin may proceed.

Baldwin's claim of firearm malfunction

Actor Alec Baldwin has maintained his innocence regarding the shooting incident that occurred in 2021, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the film "Rust." Baldwin claimed that he did not pull the trigger and insisted that the firearm malfunctioned. In an interview in December 2021, he stated that he would never intentionally point a gun at someone and pull the trigger.