Alec Baldwin on Trial: Breaking 'Cardinal Rules' in Tragic 'Rust' Incident

Alec Baldwin faces charges in the 2021 on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of 'Rust.' Prosecutors allege Baldwin violated critical gun safety protocols, while his defense blames set safety experts. The trial examines unprecedented criminal responsibility on a film set in U.S. history.

A New Mexico prosecutor on Wednesday accused Alec Baldwin of breaking 'cardinal rules' for handling guns in the 2021 killing of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin, charged with involuntary manslaughter, sat at the defense table and listened to opening statements. This trial is unprecedented, holding an actor criminally responsible for a gun death during filming.

Prosecutor Erlinda Johnson argued that Baldwin disregarded safety during the low-budget film's production by pointing a gun at Hutchins, cocking it, and pulling the trigger as they set up a camera shot southwest of Santa Fe. Johnson presented evidence that Baldwin ignored fundamental firearm safety rules.

Baldwin's defense, represented by lawyer Alex Spiro, pointed to the movie's armorer Hannah Gutierrez and first assistant director Dave Halls, who were responsible for set safety and have already been convicted. Spiro argued Baldwin committed no crime and placed the blame on Gutierrez and Halls for failing to check the rounds in the gun. The trial continues to explore the actor's alleged criminal negligence. (Reporting By Andrew Hay; editing by Donna Bryson, Aurora Ellis and Leslie Adler)