Alec Baldwin is confident that he will not face prosecution for the unfortunate death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. Baldwin has hired a private investigator to support his claims. In an interview with CNN, he expressed the toll the incident has taken on his life, saying, “These last 10 months have stolen years from my life.”
Baldwin was practicing with the gun that caused Halyna’s death on October 21. According to an FBI forensic investigation, it was determined that the gun could not have been fired without someone pulling the trigger. Additionally, a significant amount of live ammunition was found on set – 150 rounds in total. Baldwin, who is also the film’s producer, has consistently maintained that he did not fire the fatal shot. According to him, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, props assistant, and assistant director Dave Halls bear responsibility for Halyna’s tragic death.
Dave Halls handed Baldwin the rifle, assuring him that it was “cold,” implying that it did not contain live ammunition. Baldwin questions why Gutierrez Reed did not double-check the bullet and why Halls went against her instructions. “How come he handed me the gun?” Baldwin wonders. He is perplexed by the neglect and misinformation that led to the tragedy.
Baldwin’s private investigator has found evidence supporting his belief that no one will face criminal charges in this case. Baldwin’s intention now is to complete the movie Rust and use the proceeds to support Halyna’s family. Matt and Halyna Hutchins share a child, and they have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and others involved. However, Matt has criticized Baldwin’s denial of accountability as “absurd.”
Baldwin acknowledges that someone should have taken greater caution in loading the weapon with live ammunition. Gutierrez Reed was assigned this responsibility, which involved assessing the ammunition and inserting a dummy cartridge or blank bullet since live rounds were not meant to be used on set. “Two persons did not do what they were supposed to do,” Baldwin emphasized.
While Baldwin does not wish misery or imprisonment upon those involved, he believes they need to take responsibility for their actions. He expresses the pain he feels over Halyna’s needless death, frequently reflecting on how it could have been avoided. He considers it a senseless loss of life.
Baldwin has shared a clip from his CNN interview on social media where he discusses how the gun fired without the trigger being pulled. As the investigation continues, Santa Fe County prosecutors will need to determine how to proceed.
Baldwin firmly states that both Gutierrez Reed and Halls should never work on a movie set again. He believes that investigators will ultimately conclude that this was an accident, though he acknowledges the profound tragedy of it all. He does not condemn Gutierrez Reed.
Baldwin explains that his Catholic background compels him not to wish suffering upon anyone, even in this situation. He does not want to take a stance of punishment. Halls and Gutierrez Reed’s attorney argue that Baldwin is attempting to divert attention away from himself.
Furthermore, Baldwin shares that he has suffered professional setbacks as a result of the Rust incident. He mentions being fired from another job recently, which has added to the difficulties he’s faced in the past year. Despite the criticism he has received from various sources, including former President Donald Trump, Baldwin expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife, Hilaria. He credits her as his pillar of strength throughout this challenging ordeal.
It is clear that the Rust incident has had a profound impact on Alec Baldwin’s life. He hopes for closure and justice for Halyna Hutchins’ family while also acknowledging that a tragic accident occurred.
