Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 “Rust” film set shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.
He entered the plea through his attorney and waived his right to an arraignment.
Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted. The grand jury indictment followed further analysis of the gun used, which indicated that the trigger had been pulled or depressed.
Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. https://t.co/ULabrIdUyv pic.twitter.com/dEQSzBN4qT
— ABC News (@ABC) January 31, 2024
“This fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger,” the report said.
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”
Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said, “It is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court.”
The actor’s attorneys released a statement expressing readiness for court. New Mexico prosecutors previously dropped charges but intended to recharge Baldwin, citing “new facts.”
The armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, faces charges and has pleaded not guilty, with her trial set for February 21, 2024.
Prosecutors with the Santa Fe County District Attorney’s Office said its “decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.”
“The gun and broken sear have been sent to the state’s independent expert for further testing,” the office said at the time. “The charges against Alec Baldwin were dismissed without prejudice because a possible malfunction of the gun significantly affects causation with regard to Baldwin, not with regard to Gutierrez. If it is determined that the gun did not malfunction, charges against Mr. Baldwin will proceed.”
