Alec Baldwin and the 'Rust' shooting: firearm enhancement charges dropped

A new episode in the tragic story of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins's death: Prosecutors have decided to drop the firearm enhancement charges against Alec Baldwin. He is a cast member and producer of the film 'Rust,' a film production that was halted after the shooting accident happened in October 2021.

According to BBC News, the potential prison sentence for the actor has decreased now that prosecutors have dropped the firearm enhancement charge. It would have carried a mandatory five-year prison sentence.

The Santa Fe county district attorney spokesperson explained the decision: "the prosecution's priority is securing justice, not securing billable hours for big-city attorneys."

On October 21, 2021, Halyna Hutchins lost her life on the set of the feature film 'Rust.' She was the director of photography and got hit by the bullets from what was supposed to be a prop gun in the hands of Alec Baldwin.

The shot that killed Hutchins was completely accidental. It happened while Alec Baldwin was practicing for a scene. Nevertheless, the film crew and Halyna Hutchins' relatives have considered the actor and producer of the film responsible for the woman's death.

After months of accusations and statements back and forth, there is now a new development in the case. Alec Baldwin is being accused of involuntary manslaughter.

The Santa Fe County DAs, Mary Carmack-Altwies and Andrea Reeb, appeared before the media to explain their decision to try and prosecute the actor and producer of 'Rust.'

"After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the 'Rust' film crew," said Mary Carmack-Altwies in a statement cited by ABC.

"Actor and producer Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter," she added.

Mary Carmack-Altwies made it very clear that "on my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice."

Furthermore, Santa Fe's District Attorney claims that "the evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the 'Rust' film set."

As expected, Luke Nikas, Alec Baldwin's lawyer, expressed his disagreement with the decision.

"This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice," the lawyer said. "Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set."

As Baldwin's attorney says, "he relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds." For that reason, he concludes, "we will fight these charges, and we will win."

For now, the DAs are still in the process of officially filing the accusations. There are no real legal proceedings as of yet, only statements of their intentions. New developments will be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo: @halynahutchins / Instagram

As revealed by the autopsy, the cause of Halyna Hutchins' death was a gunshot wound.

According to ABC, the family of Halyna Hutchins is relieved about the news that the DAs are planning to prosecute Alec Baldwin.

Brian Panish, the family's lawyer, claims that an independent investigation carried out by the family reached the same conclusions as those substantiating the DAs' accusations against Alec Baldwin.

Photo: @PSBRLaw / Instagram

"It is a comfort to the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law," the lawyer said in a statement. "We support the charges, will fully cooperate with this prosecution, and fervently hope the justice system works to protect the public and hold accountable those who break the law."