Alec Baldwin Isn’t In The Clear Yet – Criminal Charges Could Still Be Filed For “Rust” Shooting

Criminal charges could still be in the works for Alec Baldwin following the October 21, 2021 incident on the movie set of “Rust”, a film being produced by, and starring, Alec Baldwin.

A TMZ Report released Monday detailed documents from the office of District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, showing potential plans to prosecute Alec Baldwin for the shooting of Halyna Hutchins.

There’s been speculation about what caused the shooting. According to the investigation, there were multiple Colt .45 pistols on the scene of the film. One of which was plastic, and could shoot no ammunition of any sort. Another, which was a modified Colt .45 pistol, was modified in such a way that it could not fire live rounds. Lastly, there was a Pietta made Colt .45 replica, which is the gun that Alec Baldwin is believed to have shot Halyna Hutchins with, who was working as the director of photography on the set.

The report detailed several recent moves made by District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies that indicate she could be planning to prosecute the actor in connection with the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his film “Rust.”

According to The Santa Fe New Mexican, Carmack-Altwies filed an emergency request last week — asking the New Mexico Board of Finance for $635,000 to support “up to four possible criminal cases” that she indicated could arise out of the ongoing investigation into the shooting.

The state board approved half the requested amount, granting her $317,000 to assist in funding a special prosecutor, special investigator, experts and others. The prosecutor said that up to four people could face charges — although she also noted that they might not all be found criminally liable. “We will be requesting a special appropriation for the rest of the money,” she added.

Carmack-Altwies stated that the requested funds would be used to finance up to four separate jury trials pursuant to the shooting that killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.

A full report from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office — based on the lengthy investigation — is expected to be released in the coming weeks. The prosecutor did not say for certain that she intended to file criminal charges but wanted the funding in place before the report’s release in the event that prosecutions were deemed warranted.

“Experts in firearms, the handling of firearms on movie sets, and safety protocols on move sets must be retained immediately,” Carmack-Altwies explained in the request. “If the First Judicial District Attorney … were to take funding for the ‘RUST’ prosecution out of the general fund, there would not be enough funding to pay our employees, expert witnesses needed for other cases and general everyday expenses of the office.”

While few believe Alec Baldwin committed murder, some argue that he is guilty of manslaughter, or being negligent – which then lead to Hutchins’ death. Baldwin’s position as a producer and his large overseeing role in the film’s production, along with his extensive background in film and acting should’ve made Baldwin experienced enough to hire a more qualified Weapons Master – especially since the decision was made to purchase live ammunition for the film’s production.

Legislators have also proposed legislation banning live ammunition on movie sets.

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