With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Alec Baldwin Manslaughter Charge To Be Dropped In 'Rust' Shooting, Lawyers Say
File: Alec Baldwin attends The Roundabout Gala 2023 at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on March 6, 2023 in New York City.
(
John Lamparski
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
Alec Baldwin’s attorneys have said that the involuntary manslaughter criminal charge against Baldwin for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is being dropped by prosecutors in New Mexico, the Associated Press reports. He was one of three people charged in the shooting, alongside the film’s armorer and an assistant director — Baldwin was both a star and producer of the film.
Why it matters: Baldwin shot and killed Hutchins with a prop gun during rehearsal while shooting the low-budget movie Rust in Santa Fe back in 2021. The shooting raised concerns about safety on sets — it happened on a production that was behind schedule and used non-union staff working with firearms. The film could reportedly resume filming this week, according to the AP.
The backstory: The gun was thought to be loaded with blanks, but it was later found to have been loaded with live rounds. The crew appeared to have violated multiple aspects of basic firearm safety protocols. The charges initially filed against Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed had maximum sentences of 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Assistant director David Halls signed a plea agreement for a charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.
Support for LAist comes from
Go deeper: What We Know About The Fatal Prop Gun Shooting By Alec Baldwin
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist