Alec Baldwin Faces Trial Over 'Rust' Shooting: Breaking Hollywood's Cardinal Safety Rules

A New Mexico prosecutor alleged actor Alec Baldwin violated gun safety protocols in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust.' Baldwin, facing involuntary manslaughter charges, claims the gun misfired. The trial is unprecedented in holding an actor criminally liable for an on-set death.

A New Mexico prosecutor on Wednesday said Alec Baldwin broke "cardinal rules" of gun safety in the 2021 killing of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. This marks Hollywood's first on-set shooting fatality in three decades. Baldwin, 66, took notes at the defense table and listened calmly to opening statements in his involuntary manslaughter trial.

Baldwin appeared in court as a New Mexico jury of 12 and four alternates—11 women and five men—heard prosecutor Erlinda Johnson outline arguments. Johnson claimed Baldwin disregarded safety during the film shoot before pointing a gun at Hutchins, cocking it, and pulling the trigger. "The evidence will show that someone who played make-believe with a real gun and violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety is the defendant, Alexander Baldwin," she said.

Hilaria Baldwin and Stephen Baldwin, the actor's wife and brother, were present during the hearing. Hutchins was killed, and director Joel Souza was wounded when Baldwin's firearm, a reproduction 1873 Single Action Army revolver, fired a live round, allegedly loaded by armorer Hannah Gutierrez. Baldwin has maintained the gun misfired and did not pull the trigger, despite a 2022 FBI test stating otherwise.

(With inputs from agencies.)