23 January 2023 , 16:19
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Alec Baldwin will finish filming the western film Rust, despite recently being charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Halyna Hutchins.
The actor, 64, and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armourer were both charged with the death of Halyna, who was shot on the film's set in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
Halyna was injured after a prop gun, held by Bladwin was discharged, while director Joel Souza was also injured after the gun was fired.
However, a lawyer for Rust Movie Productions confirmed the film ios still going ahead and Baldwin will resume his role as the lead actor, while Souza will continue as the director.
Alec Baldwin will continue to star in Rust despite being charged with involuntary manslaughter (PA)Following the tragic incident, the project will feature "on-set safety supervisors and union crew members" and will "bar any use of working weapons or any ammunition", Melina Spadone confirmed.
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Ms Spadone added that live ammunition is, and always was, prohibited on the set.
It comes just a week after the district attorney's office confirmed that both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will be "charged in the alternative" with the two counts of manslaughter, meaning that a jury will decide not simply if they are guilty, but under which definition of involuntary manslaughter they are guilty.
Alec will star as the lead actor in the film once filming recommenced (Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office/ZUMA Press Wire Service/REX/Shutterstock)They could face 18 months behind bars if they are found guilty by a jury.
Assistant director David Halls has signed a plea agreement for the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon, the District Attorney has said.
The decision to charge Baldwin comes less than three months after the District Attorney's office received the final report from police in relation to the incident which ultimately led to the death of Halyna Hutchins.
District Attorney for New Mexico, Mary Carmack-Altwies said: "After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew.
The actor could face upto 18 months behind bars if a jury find him guilty (Getty Images)"On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice."
But lawyers representing Baldwin have slammed the charge, claiming it is a miscarriage of justice.
In a statement shortly after the news, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel said: "This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins' tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice.
"Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set.
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"He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win."