Charges Against Alec Baldwin for the ‘Rust’ On-Set Shooting Have Been Dropped

The actor previously pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

New Mexico prosecutors have announced they plan to drop all charges against actor Alec Baldwin for the on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in 2021.

Baldwin inadvertently fired a pistol at Hutchins during a rehearsal, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza.

Earlier this year, Baldwin was charged with two charges of involuntary manslaughter, and pleaded not guilty.

If found guilty, Baldwin would have faced up to 18 months in prison.

Charges were also laid against the film’s armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

But on Thursday, ABC and CNN reported the charges had been dropped, with his lawyers confirming they were “pleased with the decision to dismiss the case”.

Charges remain against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, and it’s currently unclear if those charges will be dropped.

Investigators are now analysing what caused the incident – a recent report revealed that the gun involved in the incident had been modified with a new trigger, which may have caused a misfire.

Baldwin claimed from the beginning he didn’t even pull the trigger.

"Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun - or anywhere on the movie set," Baldwin’s lawyer, Luke Nikas said.

The film is set to resume shooting, 18 months after production was shut down.

Production can only continue under provisions set by the New Mexico court, including a fine, a ban on gun use and the consumption of alcohol.