Alec Baldwin's Trial: Unprecedented Gun Safety Breach in Film History

In an unprecedented trial, Alec Baldwin faces involuntary manslaughter charges for the 2021 on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of 'Rust.' Prosecutors claim Baldwin violated fundamental gun safety rules, while his defense argues the shooting was an accident due to failures by firearms experts on set.

A New Mexico prosecutor on Wednesday accused Alec Baldwin of breaking fundamental gun safety rules in the 2021 killing of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin, 66, on trial for involuntary manslaughter in Hollywood's first on-set shooting fatality in three decades, calmly took notes as the trial commenced.

A jury of 12 and four alternates listened to prosecutor Erlinda Johnson's claims that Baldwin disregarded safety protocols during the filming of the low-budget movie. Johnson argued Baldwin pointed a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal, cocked it, and pulled the trigger.

In his defense, Baldwin's lawyer Alex Spiro pointed to 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez and first assistant director Dave Halls, stating they failed in their responsibilities for firearm safety checks. Gutierrez has been convicted for loading a live round, and Spiro maintains Baldwin committed no crime.

(With inputs from agencies.)