Alec Baldwin's lawyer has criticised the decision by authorities in New Mexico to charge the actor with involuntary manslaughter, and say that he will "fight these charges"
Luke Nikas, Baldwin's lawyer, has said that the actor had "no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun - or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds."
He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after Halyna Hutchins died when a prop gun went off in a rehearsal for Rust in 2021. The armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is accused of the same offence, but Mr. Baldwin insists he didn't pull the trigger of the prop gun.
If convicted, both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed could be hit with up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. However, because a gun was involved, one charge carries a firearms enhancement, and that would result in a mandatory punishment of five years in prison.
The family of the cinematographer say they hope the justice system holds those who break the law accountable, and they have welcomed the move to charge the 64-year-old.
A statement released on their behalf read: "We want to thank the Santa Fe sheriff and the district attorney for concluding their thorough investigation and determining that charges for involuntary manslaughter are warranted for the killing of Halyna Hutchins with conscious disregard for human life."
"Our independent investigation also supports charges are warranted. It is a comfort to the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law.
"We support the charges, and will fully cooperate with this prosecution."
Joel Souza, who was directing the movie, was also wounded in the incident on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
