Alec Baldwin Resumes “Rust” Filming, Criminal Charges For On-Set Shooting Dropped

American comedian and producer, Alec Baldwin is a free man as he makes a return to the “Rust” set. The Santa Fe County District Attorney’s office announced last Thursday that it was dropping criminal charges against Baldwin, who was charged with two counts of manslaughter for the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer, Helena Hutchins.

Alec Baldwin Resumes “Rust Shooting” As A Free Man!

Alec Baldwin, who was facing a new lawsuit filed by the family of the Ukrainian cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died on the set of “Rust”, is officially back on the film’s set. His return comes after the involuntary manslaughter charges relating to the fatal death of Hutchins were dropped against him.

The Saturday Night Live alum was seen sporting a brown coat, gray shirt, pants, and cowboy boots, as he was captured holding a rifle by its barrel. The 65-year-old producer completed the look with a cowboy hat and scarf around his neck. Baldwin pleaded “not guilty” in February, vehemently denying that he ever pulled the gun’s trigger.

Alec Baldwin’s lawyers, Nikas and Alex Spiro released a statement following the decision. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin, and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” his lawyers spoke last week. Baldwin was facing up to five years in prison, later reduced to 18 months.

Recalling The Tragic Death Of Helena Hutchins

Ukrainian cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, died in hospital in October 2021, after being shot in the chest by a prop gun, allegedly fired by Mr. Baldwin during a rehearsal at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe.

As a result, production was halted after Hutchins died as a result of the incident while director, Joel Souza was left injured. Souza is one of the few initial crew members who hasn’t disassociated with the production.

In February, Hutchins’s family filed a civil suit against Baldwin, wherein the deceased person’s family alleged “intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence”. Not only this, but in 2022, her husband, filed a lawsuit to seek “punitive damages, funeral, and other expenses, alleging “reckless behavior and cost-cutting” on set. It was settled last October 2022 for an undisclosed amount.

The incident occurred during the filming of “Rust” in New Mexico, but Baldwin has since maintained his defense that he was told the gun was “cold”, which means safe and without ammunition, and that he did not pull the trigger. Even though filming has resumed more than a year after the tragic incident, a release date for the movie has yet to be set.

Please note that the charges brought against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, Baldwin’s co-defendant and the on-set armorer at the time of the shooting, are yet to be cleared. This means that the case of Helena Hutchins can still be investigated.