Baldwin is no longer facing the possibility of five years behind bars.
Earlier in February, reports surfaced suggesting that actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed may face up to five years of imprisonment if found guilty in the criminal case related to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. This potential sentence was due to a “firearm enhancement” charge added to New Mexico law in 2022, approximately seven months after the incident occurred. However, prosecutors have now reduced the involuntary manslaughter charges against the accused.
According to The New York Times, this development followed Alec Baldwin’s attorneys’ arguments earlier this month against the firearm enhancement charge. While a guilty verdict with that charge would have led to a minimum sentence of five years, Baldwin is still facing a maximum of 18 months in prison. A spokesperson for the district attorney, Heather Brewer, stated that the decision to drop the charge was to avoid “litigious distractions” from the actor and his legal team. Brewer’s statement further clarified that the prosecution’s priority is justice and not “billable hours” for high-profile attorneys.
The NYT also explained that New Mexico revised the firearm enhancement charge in 2022 to apply to cases where a firearm is “discharged” during the commission of a noncapital felony. Previously, the charge was only applicable in situations where a person “brandished” a firearm in similar criminal cases.
Late last month, actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were formally charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in connection with the tragic incident that occurred on the set of the film Rust in October 2021. According to reports, Gutierrez-Reed was responsible for loading the gun used in the movie with dummy rounds before handing it to Baldwin. During his preparation for a scene, the gun discharged, fatally striking director of photography Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Following the criminal charges against him, Alec Baldwin has stated that he was assured the gun was “cold” and safe to use before the firearm went off, and he asserts that he did not pull the trigger. He has maintained his innocence and appears to be bracing for all possible outcomes. Aside from his acting role, Baldwin is also credited as a producer for Rust.
Last week, it was reported that the filmmakers plan to resume production on Rust in the spring. Alongside the criminal charges, the movie has also been fined $136,793 by the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau for what has been deemed as “plain indifference” to employee safety. The film features a star-studded cast including Travis Fimmel, Frances Fisher, and Jensen Ackles – who addressed the incident soon after it occurred.
