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Alec Baldwin’s trial for involuntary manslaughter is now underway in Santa Fe, New Mexico, nearly three years after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the indie western “Rust.”
Hutchins died in October 2021 after a prop gun Baldwin was handling during rehearsal went off. The bullet killed Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.
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The “30 Rock” actor, who was also the producer of “Rust,” entered a not guilty plea after he was recharged in January. Baldwin was first charged in January 2023, but the prosecution dismissed that case in April 2023, citing a delay in forensic analysis.
Film set armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the person responsible for overseeing the production’s weapons for the cast and crew, received the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison earlier this year, after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
ROSS D. FRANKLIN via Getty Images
Though he hasn’t explicitly blamed Gutierrez-Reed for the on-set fatality, Baldwin has adamantly denied pulling the trigger of the gun in public statements and interviews.
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“Someone put a live bullet in a gun, a bullet that wasn’t even supposed to be on the property,” Baldwin told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos in 2021. “Someone is responsible for what happened, and I can’t say who that is, but I know it’s not me.”
The prosecution claims Baldwin was nonetheless negligent in his handling of the firearm and therefore should be held responsible.
Though the actor’s legal team made several attempts to have the controversial case dismissed, late last month Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled the trial will go on as planned.
A jury of Baldwin’s peers was seated on Tuesday.
The prosecution began its arguments on Wednesday.
Follow live updates below:
HuffPost’s live coverage of the Alec Baldwin trial has concluded. Future highlights of the trial can be found here.
The Case Continues
After a full first day of testimony, the case of the State v. Alexander Rae Baldwin is expected to play out over the course of the next week.
A central point of contention in the trial has been whether it was possible for the prop gun that shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins to have fired without anyone pulling the trigger.
While armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been called to testify this week, the firearms supervisor's attorney relayed that she does not plan to cooperate on the case. She is currently in the midst of an 18-month sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
Closing arguments are scheduled for July 19, after which time the jury will go into deliberations.
This is the end of HuffPost's live coverage of the Alec Baldwin trial. Future highlights of the trial can be found here.
A central point of contention in the trial has been whether it was possible for the prop gun that shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins to have fired without anyone pulling the trigger.
While armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been called to testify this week, the firearms supervisor's attorney relayed that she does not plan to cooperate on the case. She is currently in the midst of an 18-month sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
Closing arguments are scheduled for July 19, after which time the jury will go into deliberations.
This is the end of HuffPost's live coverage of the Alec Baldwin trial. Future highlights of the trial can be found here.
Account From The Crime Scene Technician
Crime scene technician Marissa Poppell was the last witness brought to the stand on Wednesday.
During her testimony, she identified the weapon taken from the scene of the shooting by authorities and explained that she had the firearm sent to FBI analysts to be tested for latent fingerprints. Poppell stated that when the gun was returned to her office, it appeared to have been taken apart during the FBI's analysis.
"The cylinder of the firearm had been removed and placed separately and there appears to be an internal component that was bagged in a small plastic bag separate from the firearm," Poppell said on the stand.
The crime scene technician also stated that she found what she suspected were five live rounds and one spent casing when surveying the site of the shooting.
During her testimony, she identified the weapon taken from the scene of the shooting by authorities and explained that she had the firearm sent to FBI analysts to be tested for latent fingerprints. Poppell stated that when the gun was returned to her office, it appeared to have been taken apart during the FBI's analysis.
"The cylinder of the firearm had been removed and placed separately and there appears to be an internal component that was bagged in a small plastic bag separate from the firearm," Poppell said on the stand.
The crime scene technician also stated that she found what she suspected were five live rounds and one spent casing when surveying the site of the shooting.
Law Enforcement Takes The Stand
Several current and former members of law enforcement took the stand during the opening day of arguments.
Nicholas LeFleur, an officer with the Santa Fe Police Department, testified about body camera footage taken at the scene of the shooting. In the video, Alec Baldwin can be heard telling authorities, "I was holding the gun, yeah."
LeFleur also testified that the scene was “probably the biggest scene I’ve been to" and estimated around 200 people were at the location when he arrived.
While being cross-examined by Baldwin’s lawyers, LeFleur conceded that mistakes were made in securing the scene after the shooting.
Speaking to Baldwin’s behavior after the incident, LeFleur said the actor’s “demeanor was sad. Upset."
Timoteo Benavidez, a former Santa Fe Police Department lieutenant, was the second witness to take the stand, where he identified the gun involved in the incident.
During his testimony, Benavidez confirmed that there were no live rounds in the prop weapon when he examined it at the scene.
The defense tried to cast doubt on the integrity of the scene during cross-examination, noting how law enforcement was unsure of who handled the gun before it was handed over by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and how Benavidez did not initially wear gloves while handling the firearm.
Nicholas LeFleur, an officer with the Santa Fe Police Department, testified about body camera footage taken at the scene of the shooting. In the video, Alec Baldwin can be heard telling authorities, "I was holding the gun, yeah."
LeFleur also testified that the scene was “probably the biggest scene I’ve been to" and estimated around 200 people were at the location when he arrived.
While being cross-examined by Baldwin’s lawyers, LeFleur conceded that mistakes were made in securing the scene after the shooting.
Speaking to Baldwin’s behavior after the incident, LeFleur said the actor’s “demeanor was sad. Upset."
Timoteo Benavidez, a former Santa Fe Police Department lieutenant, was the second witness to take the stand, where he identified the gun involved in the incident.
During his testimony, Benavidez confirmed that there were no live rounds in the prop weapon when he examined it at the scene.
The defense tried to cast doubt on the integrity of the scene during cross-examination, noting how law enforcement was unsure of who handled the gun before it was handed over by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and how Benavidez did not initially wear gloves while handling the firearm.
Gloria Allred Admonishes Alec Baldwin Outside Court
Famed attorney Gloria Allred held a mini press conference outside of the courthouse on Wednesday, where she asserted that late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was "killed by the gun that Alec Baldwin was holding."
Allred, who is representing Hutchins’ family, also criticized Baldwin’s recently announced plans to star in a reality show with his family, saying it would be "sick" to make the trial television fodder.
"This is not a reality show," she said. "This is a trial for involuntary manslaughter of a young, talented cinematographer."
Allred, who is representing Hutchins’ family, also criticized Baldwin’s recently announced plans to star in a reality show with his family, saying it would be "sick" to make the trial television fodder.
"This is not a reality show," she said. "This is a trial for involuntary manslaughter of a young, talented cinematographer."
The Defense Asserts Baldwin 'Committed No Crime'
In a detailed rebuttal, Baldwin's attorney Alex Spiro claimed that the "cardinal rules" of gun safety do not apply on movie sets and that the star was merely "an actor acting" when the accidental shooting occurred.
"This was an unspeakable tragedy, but Alec Baldwin committed no crime," he told jurors.
In the defense's opening statement, Spiro stressed actors like Baldwin are not responsible for ensuring the safety on set and accused armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, assistant director Dave Halls and others of having "failed in their duties."
"On a movie set, safety has to occur before a gun is placed in an actor’s hand," Spiro said, noting how Baldwin had been told he was handling a "cold gun" while rehearsing with cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza during the time of the shooting.
"Cold guns can’t hurt people," he told the courtroom. "It’s impossible. Literally impossible."
Questioning how a live bullet made its way onto the set and into the prop gun, Spiro said the firearm "had been checked and double checked by those responsible for ensuring the gun was safe."
"He did not tamper with it. He did not load it himself," he added. "He did not leave it unattended."
During opening statements, the defense also shared video from the filming of "Rust" in addition to body camera footage from the police who responded on the set and audio of the 911 call made after the shooting.
"This was an unspeakable tragedy, but Alec Baldwin committed no crime," he told jurors.
In the defense's opening statement, Spiro stressed actors like Baldwin are not responsible for ensuring the safety on set and accused armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, assistant director Dave Halls and others of having "failed in their duties."
"On a movie set, safety has to occur before a gun is placed in an actor’s hand," Spiro said, noting how Baldwin had been told he was handling a "cold gun" while rehearsing with cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza during the time of the shooting.
"Cold guns can’t hurt people," he told the courtroom. "It’s impossible. Literally impossible."
Questioning how a live bullet made its way onto the set and into the prop gun, Spiro said the firearm "had been checked and double checked by those responsible for ensuring the gun was safe."
"He did not tamper with it. He did not load it himself," he added. "He did not leave it unattended."
During opening statements, the defense also shared video from the filming of "Rust" in addition to body camera footage from the police who responded on the set and audio of the 911 call made after the shooting.
Prosecution Claims Baldwin Violated 'Cardinal Rules' Of Gun Safety While Playing 'Make Believe'
Special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson laid out the state’s case against Baldwin during opening statements on Wednesday, arguing that the “Boss Baby” actor “violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety” while playing “make-believe” on the set of “Rust.”
“When someone plays make-believe plays with a real gun in a real-life workplace, and while playing make-believe with that gun violates the cardinal rules of firearm safety, people’s lives are in danger and someone could be killed … That’s what this case is about. It’s simple, it’s straightforward,” Johnson explained.
“The evidence you see will paint a real-life picture of a real-life workplace,” she added.
While detailing what testimony will be heard, prosecutors accused Baldwin of flouting safety protocol and repeatedly “doing his own thing” instead of following gun safety norms.
Though the state placed some blame on the “inexperienced” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, prosecutors laid out how testimony from the gun manufacturer, FBI analysts and other experts will show it was impossible for the gun to fire without the trigger being pulled.
During opening statements, the prosecution also claimed that Baldwin had “requested to be assigned the biggest gun possible” and that in late 2021, he admitted the gun had no mechanical problems.
At the end of the state's remarks, Johnson told jurors that convicting Baldwin is the only “true and just” outcome.
“When someone plays make-believe plays with a real gun in a real-life workplace, and while playing make-believe with that gun violates the cardinal rules of firearm safety, people’s lives are in danger and someone could be killed … That’s what this case is about. It’s simple, it’s straightforward,” Johnson explained.
“The evidence you see will paint a real-life picture of a real-life workplace,” she added.
While detailing what testimony will be heard, prosecutors accused Baldwin of flouting safety protocol and repeatedly “doing his own thing” instead of following gun safety norms.
Though the state placed some blame on the “inexperienced” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, prosecutors laid out how testimony from the gun manufacturer, FBI analysts and other experts will show it was impossible for the gun to fire without the trigger being pulled.
During opening statements, the prosecution also claimed that Baldwin had “requested to be assigned the biggest gun possible” and that in late 2021, he admitted the gun had no mechanical problems.
At the end of the state's remarks, Johnson told jurors that convicting Baldwin is the only “true and just” outcome.
A Jury Of Baldwin's Peers
By the end of Tuesday's proceedings, special prosecutors and Baldwin's legal team had agreed on 12 jurors and four alternates.
Eleven of the jurors are women and five are men. All 16 were instructed not to speak to the media at the close of Tuesday's proceedings.
Opening arguments from the prosecution are set to begin as scheduled on Wednesday.
Eleven of the jurors are women and five are men. All 16 were instructed not to speak to the media at the close of Tuesday's proceedings.
Opening arguments from the prosecution are set to begin as scheduled on Wednesday.
Hiccups With Potential Jurors
Several people in the jury pool told the court they did not believe they could be impartial in the case.
Asked if they could approach the case fairly, Fox News reported that one potential juror said, "I have read the case extensively and looked at it and reviewed it and don't feel I can be fair."
Another claimed their bias against Baldwin and stance "regarding unions" made them unfit for the jury.
During his time questioning potential jurors, Baldwin's lawyer reminded the pool the star was a "real person."
Trying to suss out who may have preconceived notions about Baldwin, attorney Alex Spiro said, "Maybe he played a role in a movie you didn’t like, maybe he did a comedy routine or an imitation you don’t like," possibly alluding to the actor's "Saturday Night Live" impressions of President Donald Trump.
He also asked for "unequivocal assurance" they could follow legal standards and not be swayed "just because something tragic happened."
Asked if they could approach the case fairly, Fox News reported that one potential juror said, "I have read the case extensively and looked at it and reviewed it and don't feel I can be fair."
Another claimed their bias against Baldwin and stance "regarding unions" made them unfit for the jury.
During his time questioning potential jurors, Baldwin's lawyer reminded the pool the star was a "real person."
Trying to suss out who may have preconceived notions about Baldwin, attorney Alex Spiro said, "Maybe he played a role in a movie you didn’t like, maybe he did a comedy routine or an imitation you don’t like," possibly alluding to the actor's "Saturday Night Live" impressions of President Donald Trump.
He also asked for "unequivocal assurance" they could follow legal standards and not be swayed "just because something tragic happened."
Jury Selection Begins
On Tuesday, Baldwin arrived to court for jury selection alongside attorney Alex Spiro, wife Hilaria Baldwin and the youngest of their seven children, 1-year-old Ilaria Baldwin, per the Associated Press. Brother Stephen Baldwin was later spotted supporting the actor in the courtroom.
Lawyers for both sides were set to select from a pool of 70 potential jurors and hoped to seat the jury by the end of the day, as reported by The Guardian.
While voir dire was set to start early Tuesday, the court saw a two-hour delay due to technical issues and heat in the courtroom, according to Fox News.
When special prosecutor Kari Morrissey took over questioning, she asked about potential jurors' news consumption, their views on gun ownership and whether they had connections to the film industry.
Lawyers for both sides were set to select from a pool of 70 potential jurors and hoped to seat the jury by the end of the day, as reported by The Guardian.
While voir dire was set to start early Tuesday, the court saw a two-hour delay due to technical issues and heat in the courtroom, according to Fox News.
When special prosecutor Kari Morrissey took over questioning, she asked about potential jurors' news consumption, their views on gun ownership and whether they had connections to the film industry.
A Minor Win For Team Baldwin
In a blow to the prosecution during a pre-trial hearing on Monday, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled Baldwin's role as a producer on "Rust" was not relevant to the proceedings, The Guardian reported.
Prosecutors hoped to use the star's role as producer to illustrate how the film crew was under pressure to keep a tight schedule and cut costs, leading to lax safety protocols on set.
Siding with the defense, Marlowe said, "I’m having real difficulty with the state’s position that they want to show that as a producer he didn’t follow guidelines and therefore as an actor Mr. Baldwin did all of these things wrong that resulted in the death of Ms. Hutchins because as a producer he allowed these things to happen."
Monday marked Baldwin's first in-person appearance in court. During proceedings, the actor reportedly "kept his head down, and at times appeared to take notes," according to People magazine.
Prosecutors hoped to use the star's role as producer to illustrate how the film crew was under pressure to keep a tight schedule and cut costs, leading to lax safety protocols on set.
Siding with the defense, Marlowe said, "I’m having real difficulty with the state’s position that they want to show that as a producer he didn’t follow guidelines and therefore as an actor Mr. Baldwin did all of these things wrong that resulted in the death of Ms. Hutchins because as a producer he allowed these things to happen."
Monday marked Baldwin's first in-person appearance in court. During proceedings, the actor reportedly "kept his head down, and at times appeared to take notes," according to People magazine.
The Nuts And Bolts Of The Prosecution's Case
Alec Baldwin and his legal team maintain he did not pull the trigger of the modified Colt .45 revolver and only cocked the hammer of the gun when it malfunctioned, firing a live round mistakenly loaded into the firearm by "Rust"'s chief weapons handler, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
After evaluating the gun, investigators with the FBI, along with independent forensic experts, have said it would be impossible for the revolver to go off without its trigger being pulled.
Earlier court filings from the prosecution further claim that Baldwin had not respected on-set safety protocol after missing the production's initial firearms training.
In a subsequent one-on-one training with Gutierrez-Reed, the state wrote that, "Mr. Baldwin was inattentive during this training and spent time during the training on the phone with his family and making videos of himself shooting the gun for his family’s enjoyment."
The prosecution also contends that Baldwin's current account of the shooting contradict earlier interviews with law enforcement, where he claimed the gun just "went off" but never asserted that he did not pull the trigger.
Prosecutors allege that the star only began claiming he did not trigger the revolver after a 2021 interview with George Stephanopoulos, in which they accuse the actor of having "lied with impunity and blamed the incident on Ms. Hutchins."
A grand jury handed down an indictment earlier this year, charging the actor by two separate involuntary manslaughter standards: a lesser charge of negligent use of a firearm, as well as a felony charge for acting without due caution or circumspection.
The jury will only have to return one verdict on one count to convict Baldwin, however.
After evaluating the gun, investigators with the FBI, along with independent forensic experts, have said it would be impossible for the revolver to go off without its trigger being pulled.
Earlier court filings from the prosecution further claim that Baldwin had not respected on-set safety protocol after missing the production's initial firearms training.
In a subsequent one-on-one training with Gutierrez-Reed, the state wrote that, "Mr. Baldwin was inattentive during this training and spent time during the training on the phone with his family and making videos of himself shooting the gun for his family’s enjoyment."
The prosecution also contends that Baldwin's current account of the shooting contradict earlier interviews with law enforcement, where he claimed the gun just "went off" but never asserted that he did not pull the trigger.
Prosecutors allege that the star only began claiming he did not trigger the revolver after a 2021 interview with George Stephanopoulos, in which they accuse the actor of having "lied with impunity and blamed the incident on Ms. Hutchins."
A grand jury handed down an indictment earlier this year, charging the actor by two separate involuntary manslaughter standards: a lesser charge of negligent use of a firearm, as well as a felony charge for acting without due caution or circumspection.
The jury will only have to return one verdict on one count to convict Baldwin, however.
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