In the ongoing legal saga surrounding the tragic shooting on the set of the movie “Rust,” prosecutors are presenting a stern critique of Alec Baldwin’s behavior during the production. According to a recent court document made public, the New Mexico state prosecutors have described Baldwin as a figure who was markedly “inattentive” to firearm safety protocols and prone to outbursts of anger, depicting a troubling picture of the actor’s conduct in the lead-up to the fatal 2021 incident.
The document, which emerged into the public domain on April 8 and was subsequently reported by PEOPLE, paints a vivid portrait of Baldwin’s on-set demeanor. Allegations suggest that during the filming of the western, Baldwin’s lack of emotional restraint and disregard for the impact of his actions on his colleagues were glaring. Prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Jason J. Lewis highlighted witness testimonies to argue that Baldwin’s volatile behavior directly undermined safety measures on the set, setting the stage for the accident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.
This prosecutorial stance emerged in rebuttal to an attempt by Baldwin’s legal representatives in March to have the charges against him dismissed. Baldwin, who faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter linked to the incident, has entered a plea of not guilty. The gravity of these charges is underscored by the potential penalty that looms over Baldwin—a sentence of up to 18 months in prison should he be convicted.
Central to the case is Baldwin’s insistence that he did not actuate the firearm that led to the tragedy. However, prosecutors are challenging the consistency of Baldwin’s account, alleging that his narrative has shifted over time. Furthermore, the document accuses Baldwin’s defense team of engaging in deceitful tactics and leveling baseless criticisms against the prosecution.
In a parallel development within the broader legal proceedings related to the “Rust” shooting, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in a separate trial, while being cleared of evidence tampering. Her sentencing, still pending, could result in an 18-month prison term.
The prosecutors’ filing contends that a lethal combination of Gutierrez-Reed’s lack of experience and Baldwin’s alleged negligence created the conditions for the tragic incident. The motion to dismiss the charges against Baldwin, they argue, is founded on a distorted representation of the events and interactions that preceded the shooting.
The resolution of Gutierrez-Reed’s trial brought a measure of closure to Hutchins’ family, who expressed satisfaction through their legal representation. Meanwhile, “Rust” has since completed its filming in Montana, moving past the shadow of the 2021 tragedy but leaving a complex legal battle in its wake. As Baldwin prepares for his trial set for July, the case continues to unravel, with each side steadfastly defending its position amidst a mire of accusations and counterclaims.
