Alec Baldwin to continue ‘Rust’ production despite involuntary manslaughter charge

More than a year has passed Alec Baldwin fatally shot Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’. He has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter with an enhancement for carrying the firearm, which, were he to be found guilty, would lead to a minimum sentence of five years in prison.

Andrea Reeb, special prosecutor on Baldwin’s case, revealed in an interview on Fox News that “The FBI lab report confirms that so, the trigger definitely was pulled.”

The questions that remain are why he pulled the trigger and how the live rounds got in there, and DA Mary Carmack-Altwies has brought in a special team to find out the answers in court.

Negligence on the set of ‘Rust’

As overseer of the movie, Baldin’s responsibility for safety on set is under examination — not only was he the individual who pulled the trigger that killed Halyna Hutchins, as producer he was responsible for ensuring proper firearm safety protocols be met.

There were safety issues even before the accidental discharge, yet Baldwin claims to have extensive experience with real guns.

“I know never to point a gun at a person,” Baldwin said in an interview with George Stephenopolous. “I know never to pull the trigger.”

The show must go on?

Despite the criminal charges and evidence of negligence on set, the 64-year-old will forge ahead with the production of Rust. The bold move has baffled the public and sparked wide-spread criticism and protest, yet Baldwin is adamant that the show must go on.

With the criminal trial being prepared in New Mexico, the ‘Rust’ production will simply move the set to California and resume filming. The New York Times revealed that as of January 19, plans for shooting were still in motion.

In an unexpected twist, Halyna Hutchins’ widow, Matt Hutchins, is to be executive producer on the production. Immediately following the tragic loss, Hutchins vehemently spoke out against Baldwin taking the position of a “victim”.

A civil settlement was reached, and according to the New York Times, Mr. Hutchins made a statement that “We all believe Halyna’s death was a tragic accident” and he had “no interest in engaging in recriminations or attributions of blame”.

Debate in on set firearms protocols

There’s no evidence that finishing the movie will go well for Alec Baldwin. Not only is he facing possible time in prison, the other actors in the production are less likely to feel safe working with him. Plus, the production will be under immense scrutiny.

The New York Times noted New Mexico prosecutors maintain that Mr. Baldwin was responsible for gun safety on-set, prompting a debate within the industry over gun safety and protocols.