A defense attorney addressed jurors on Wednesday, describing the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins as an “unspeakable tragedy.” The attorney emphasized that Alec Baldwin did not commit a crime, stating that he was simply an actor portraying a role.
Baldwin’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, reiterated during his opening statement in a Santa Fe, New Mexico, courtroom that Baldwin’s actions on the set of the film “Rust,” where the incident occurred, were typical of what actors do while filming.
Spiro stated, “I don’t have to tell you any more about this, because you’ve all seen gunfights in movies.”
On the other hand, special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson argued in her opening statement that Baldwin had skipped safety checks and handled a revolver recklessly before the shooting took place.
She said, “The evidence will show that the defendant, Alexander Baldwin, violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety while playing make believe with a real gun.”
Spiro countered by stating that these rules are not applicable on a movie set where safety protocols need to be followed before actors handle firearms.
The first witness to testify was Nicholas LeFleur, a law enforcement officer who arrived at the scene after the shooting. Video from his body camera showed the frantic efforts to save Hutchins, with Baldwin watching somberly in the courtroom.
At a later point, LeFleur instructed Baldwin not to speak to potential witnesses, but Baldwin disregarded this instruction.
During the trial, both witness testimonies did not treat the scene as a major crime site, suggesting a different perspective on the incident.
Ocampo Johnson detailed the events leading up to Hutchins’ death, emphasizing Baldwin’s failure to follow safety protocols before the fatal shooting.
Baldwin’s responsibility in the incident, as argued by the prosecution, will be a focal point of the trial where witness testimonies and evidence will be presented.
Amidst the courtroom proceedings, Baldwin’s family and friends showed support, while the jury composition reflects a community with strong ties to gun ownership and safety.
This case, stemming from an accident on a movie set that claimed one life and injured another, has sparked discussions about accountability and safety in the film industry.
Spiro, in his defense of Baldwin, highlighted the role of the film’s armorer and assistant director in ensuring the safety of the prop gun used in the scene.
As the trial progresses, details about the weapon’s mechanism and the circumstances of the shooting will be explored further.
Attorney Gloria Allred’s presence in court serves as a reminder of the civil lawsuit against Baldwin and other producers brought by the victims’ families.
The trial is expected to delve deeper into the intricacies of the case, shedding light on the events that led to the tragic outcome on the film set.
