Abandonment of an aggravating circumstance targeting Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin on the set of the film “Rust “, shortly after the tragedy.

Prosecutors investigating Alec Baldwin's responsibility in a fatal shooting during a 2021 filming on Monday dropped the actor's charges for a aggravating circumstance targeting him.

On October 21, 2021, the shooting of the film Rust at a ranch in New Mexico took a turn for the worse after Alec Baldwin fired a gun that was supposed to contain only blanks, but a real projectile killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injured director Joel Souza.

Alec Baldwin is facing criminal charges in New Mexico for manslaughter and faces an 18-month prison sentence, as does the film's gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

The 64-year-old actor was also subject to an aggravating circumstance – due to the use of a firearm – which made him face five years behind bars.

Halyna Hutchins poses for a photo on her Instagram account.

This aggravating circumstance, however, was challenged by his legal team, on the grounds that it was based on a New Mexico law that was not in effect at the time of the tragedy. She was eventually dropped by prosecutors to avoid wasting time, they say.

Alec Baldwin is also the subject of a civil complaint from parents and of the victim's sister, according to what the family lawyer announced on Thursday.

The actor, known in particular for his role in the 30 Rock series, has always maintained his innocence. According to him, he was assured that his weapon was harmless, and he denies having pulled the trigger. This assertion is questioned by several specialists.

This rare news item had shocked Hollywood and had a strong impact, triggering calls to ban firearms on the sets, where the presence of live ammunition is in theory already prohibited.