Actor Alec Baldwin declined to address questions about his upcoming trial for the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust."
Alec Baldwin has remained tight-lipped about his upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial, dodging questions about whether he plans to testify. Baldwin is facing charges stemming from the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust."
In a video obtained by Fox News Digital, Baldwin was asked by reporters if he intended to take the stand during his trial. However, the actor remained silent and refused to answer. The trial is set to begin next month, and Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Alec Baldwin Dodges Questions on Involuntary Manslaughter Trial
Special prosecutors in New Mexico have presented new evidence against Baldwin, including claims that he displayed "erratic and aggressive behavior" during the filming of "Rust" and was "reckless" with the use of firearms. Prosecutors allege that Baldwin violated safety protocols by discharging a revolver after filming was over, placing his finger on the trigger when it was not necessary, and rushing armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed to reload and crew members to work faster.
Baldwin's legal team has filed a motion for relief for prosecutorial misconduct, accusing state prosecutors of disclosing thousands of files over a 10-week period while withholding documents that they believe warrant the dismissal of the indictment. Last month, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected Baldwin's arguments regarding the grand jury process and denied his motion to dismiss the indictment.
Alec Baldwin Dodges Questions on Involuntary Manslaughter Trial
State prosecutors claim that Baldwin "discharged the revolver after the filming was over and ‘cut’ was called," which violated rules governing safe handling of firearms on set. They also allege that Baldwin "shot several scenes wherein he placed his finger on the trigger of the revolver where the scene did not require any shooting of the firearm" and "rushed the armorer to reload and crew members to work at a faster pace."
Prosecutors further claim that Baldwin was "inattentive during the firearms training conducted by Ms. Guiterrez and was distracted by texting/face timing family members and making videos for his family's enjoyment." They also allege that Baldwin "engaged in horseplay with the revolver while making videos during his firearms training while using pull load blanks."
Alec Baldwin Dodges Questions on Involuntary Manslaughter Trial
Prosecutors indicate that they may use photographs showing Baldwin manipulating his weapon minutes before the fatal shooting of Hutchins. "He appears to have his finger inside the trigger guard and his thumb on the hammer," documents stated. "Upon information and belief, Ms. Gutierrez was not present to supervise his handling of the gun."
Baldwin's defense team has argued that the state has a "pattern of withholding information from Baldwin," which began at the outset of its investigation. They claim that the state's disclosure of thousands of files in the past 10 weeks, including emails that contradict expert testimony, has fundamentally reshaped Baldwin's defense strategy.
Alec Baldwin Dodges Questions on Involuntary Manslaughter Trial
Baldwin was indicted on two counts of involuntary manslaughter on January 19th. Hutchins died on October 21st, 2021, after a gun Baldwin was holding discharged on the Western film set. Baldwin is expected in court next month to begin a nearly two-week trial.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Baldwin recently announced that he and his family will star in a reality television show on TLC, titled "The Baldwins." The show is set to premiere in 2025 and will feature the ups and downs of life at home with seven children under the age of 10.
Alec Baldwin Dodges Questions on Involuntary Manslaughter Trial
