Alec Baldwin to Stand Trial for ‘Rust’ Movie Shooting: What You Need to Know

The highly anticipated trial of Alec Baldwin over the fatal shooting on the “Rust” film set is set to begin this week in New Mexico, where a jury will determine whether his actions led to involuntary manslaughter. The case stems from the tragic events of Oct. 21, 2021, when a gun Baldwin was rehearsing with discharged a live bullet, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring the movie’s director.

Prosecutors have argued that Baldwin disregarded industry rules around firearm use, pointing to guidelines that urge actors not to place their finger on the trigger until ready to shoot and to never point a weapon at anyone. They also claim that Baldwin failed to follow instructions from the director before the gun discharged.

On the other hand, Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge, denying responsibility for Hutchins’s death. His defense team argues that he had no reason to believe the gun was loaded with a live bullet, as live ammunition is banned from film sets. They also point to evidence suggesting the gun may have been prone to malfunction.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks, with jury selection beginning on Tuesday. Both the prosecution and defense have prepared witness lists that include members of the “Rust” production, crew members who have sued Baldwin, and law enforcement officers who investigated the case. It remains to be seen whether Baldwin himself will take the stand.

The case has put Hollywood norms regarding on-set safety to the test and has drawn widespread attention from the industry. The trial will be livestreamed from the Santa Fe County District Courthouse, allowing the public to follow the proceedings closely.