Alec Baldwin on trial for deadly ‘Rust’ shooting | National News

The trial for Alec Baldwin concerning the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of a Western movie, which resulted in manslaughter charges, commences on Tuesday. A jury will be selected to determine if the death of “Rust” crew member was Baldwin’s fault.

During a scene rehearsal, Baldwin, a Hollywood A-lister, was aiming a prop gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins when it discharged a live round, causing her death and injuring the movie’s director.

Baldwin, 66, claims he was unaware that the gun was loaded and did not pull the trigger. Prosecutors argue that he behaved recklessly on set and has changed his version of events multiple times since the tragic incident in October 2021.

Despite numerous attempts by Baldwin’s legal team to dismiss the case, they have been unsuccessful. In a final pre-trial hearing on Monday, the actor was present, taking notes on a yellow pad placed in a Barnes & Noble tote bag.

Jury selection is set to begin on Tuesday, with opening statements anticipated for Wednesday. The trial in New Mexico is expected to last around 10 days.

Due to Baldwin’s celebrity status and the rarity of on-set fatalities, the case has attracted global attention and divided opinions sharply.

Some sympathizers view Baldwin as a victim, pursued by prosecutors partially due to his fame as a celebrity and liberal icon.

Others consider the death as an easily preventable outcome of a movie star’s allegedly unpredictable and negligent behavior.

Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey remarked, “To watch Mr. Baldwin’s conduct on the set of ‘Rust’ is to witness a man who has absolutely no control of his own emotions and absolutely no concern for how his conduct affects those around him.”

If Baldwin is found guilty, he could face up to 18 months in prison. It remains unknown whether he will testify in his defense.

– ‘Basic gun safety’ –

Hutchins’s death occurred nearly three years ago during a rehearsal in a chapel at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, while filming “Rust.”

Baldwin was rehearsing a scene where his character, an elderly outlaw confronted by marshals, draws his Colt six-shooter.

The actor claims he was assured the gun was safe, instructed by Hutchins to aim the firearm toward her, and did not pull the trigger.

Live ammunition is prohibited on movie sets, and Baldwin argues that it was not his responsibility as an actor to check the gun.

The filming of “Rust” was halted following the tragedy but was later completed in Montana last year.

Earlier this year, the film’s armorer was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison in the same courthouse.

Her trial revealed arguments that the prosecution is likely to use against Baldwin.

During the trial, the armorer’s defense claimed Baldwin “violated some of the most basic gun safety rules you can ever learn,” including never pointing a gun at a person unless intending to fire it.

Morrissey responded by stating, “Alec Baldwin’s conduct and his lack of gun safety inside that church on that day is something that he’s going to have to answer for.”

“Not with you and not today. That’ll be with another jury, on another day.”

– Defense boost –

That day has now arrived.

On Monday, Baldwin, dressed in a dark suit and striped tie, observed as lawyers resolved various pre-trial matters.

In a victory for the defense, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that prosecutors cannot argue Baldwin’s additional role as a producer on “Rust” makes him more liable.

However, the case proceeding to court already marks a win for prosecutors who overcame multiple attempts to dismiss it.

Baldwin’s legal team argued that damage to the gun caused by an FBI testing lab hindered his chance for a fair trial.

The FBI concluded that the gun could not have fired without someone pulling the trigger, a finding the defense claims they were deprived of an opportunity to challenge.

The judge was unconvinced and ordered the trial to proceed.

amz/des/rsc