Prosecutors may charge Baldwin, three others in fatal 'Rust' shooting

Baldwin has denied culpability in the shooting.
Alec Baldwin speaks for the first time regarding the accidental shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, and wounded director Joel Souza on the set of the film "Rust", on October 30, 2021 in Manchester, Vermont. The actor, his wife and children pulled over to the side of the road and gave an unscheduled statement after being pursued by photographers and members of the press. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
By Joseph Weber

The New Mexico state district attorney could file criminal charges against actor Alec Baldwin and three others in connection with the fatal shooting last year on the movie set of “Rust.”

The possible charges were stated in a recent letter from Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies to to the state’s finance board, according to the Los Angles Times.

The accidental shooting occurred when a prop pistol held by Baldwin during rehearsal on the New Mexico set discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

The letter, first reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican, indicates Carmack-Altwies' office is considering charges, including homicide and gun violations, against four individuals.

Carmack-Altwies did not identify who might be charged, but she indicated that one of the possible defendants could be Baldwin.

Representatives for Baldwin and the New Mexico district attorney’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

The state gave the district attorney’s office $317,000 for the appointment of a special prosecutor to oversee the case, the Times also reports.

Baldwin has denied culpability in the shooting, but an FBI report has concluded that for the pistol to have been fired, the trigger had to be pulled. The finding differs from Baldwin's account of the incident, that he did not pull the trigger.