Alec Baldwin ‘violated the cardinal rules of firearms safety,’ Rust trial says

Throughout proceedings, Baldwin appeared visibly distressed, reacting to emotional courtroom moments as the trial progressed.

Alec Baldwin's trial commenced in New Mexico amidst starkly contrasting narratives presented by both the prosecution and defence regarding the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin faces potential imprisonment of up to 18 months if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutor Erlinda Johnson accused Baldwin of reckless disregard for firearm safety, especially on a low-budget set with inexperienced personnel.

Also read: Alec Baldwin’s request to dismiss ‘Rust’ manslaughter case denied by judge

Mr Baldwin "played make-believe with a real gun" and "violated the cardinal rules of firearms safety", Ms Johnson argued.

“While it was a movie set, it was a real, live workplace for many people. You will hear that this workplace was on a tight budget... and some of the people who were hired were inexperienced,” she said in her opening statement.

The defence portrayed Baldwin as a professional actor relying on the film crew responsible for weapon safety.

“He was just acting as he's done for generations, and it was the safety apparatus that failed them all," Baldwin's lawyer Alex Spiro said.

“Alec Baldwin committed no crime," he said, adding: "It was an actor handling a prop.”

Central to the trial is Baldwin's assertion that he did not pull the trigger when the firearm discharged. Prosecutors challenged this claim, citing FBI tests that reportedly confirmed the gun functioned as designed. Baldwin's defence criticised the FBI's handling of the firearm during testing, arguing it compromised further analysis crucial to their case.

The trial unfolded with testimony from witnesses and evidence including footage and audio recordings from the set of "Rust," capturing moments leading to Hutchins' tragic death. Officer Nicholas LeFleur, the first witness, recounted responding to the scene and attempting to aid Hutchins, with his body camera footage shown in court, evoking somber reactions from those present.

Throughout proceedings, Baldwin appeared visibly distressed, reacting to emotional courtroom moments as the trial progressed. The trial, scheduled until July 19, continues to delve into the complexities surrounding Hutchins' death and Baldwin's legal culpability in the tragic incident.

Hutchins, aged 42, lost her life when a firearm Baldwin was handling discharged during rehearsal. Investigations revealed that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, inadvertently interchanged dummy rounds with live ammunition she had brought from home. Baldwin maintains his innocence, asserting he never intentionally fired the gun.