‘Rust’ film set shooting: Involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin to be dropped

A relief for Hollywood star Alec Baldwin as criminal charges have been dropped against him over a fatal on-set shooting in October 2021. He had been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after fatally shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set. The actor was practicing a cross-draw when a live bullet fired from a prop gun that was being used by him, hitting the cinematographer and director Joel Souza, who suffered a minor injury.

In a statement, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, the attorneys for Baldwin, said, ‘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.’

Special prosecutors Kari Morrisey and Jason Lewis announced their decision to dismiss the felony charge after ‘new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis,’ without giving further details. In a statement, they said, ‘We cannot proceed under the current time constraints and on the facts and evidence turned over by law enforcement. This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and on-going.’

ALSO WATCH: Twitter removes ‘verified’ blue ticks for stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan; here’s why