Prosecutors Mull Second Gun Analysis in Alec Baldwin Shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. – Prosecutors are considering refiling charges against actor Alec Baldwin as they review a second expert analysis of the revolver used in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust” in New Mexico. Baldwin, who maintains that the gun fired accidentally, now faces the possibility of renewed charges.
The involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin was dismissed by special prosecutors in April after learning that the gun may have been modified and malfunctioned. However, a new analysis of the gun and its markings on a spent cartridge suggests that the trigger had to have been pulled or depressed.
The analysis, conducted by experts in ballistics and forensic testing from Arizona and New Mexico, utilized replacement parts to reassemble the gun after parts of it were broken during previous FBI testing. Lucien Haag, leading the analysis from Forensic Science Services in Arizona, stated, “Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings, and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”
The report was disclosed by an attorney representing Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the movie set, who is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering. Gutierrez-Reed’s trial is scheduled to begin in December. Defense attorneys for Baldwin have not yet commented on the new gun analysis.
The decision on whether to refile charges against Baldwin will be announced soon, according to special prosecutor Kari Morrissey. If charges are indeed refiled, it will be contingent on the determination that the gun did not malfunction.
The presence of live ammunition on the set and inside the Italian-made revolver, which specializes in 19th-century reproductions, has yet to be explained by authorities. Rust Movie Productions, the company behind the film, has already paid a $100,000 fine for workplace safety violations.
The FBI’s analysis in August revealed that the gun could fire without the trigger being pulled if force was applied to an uncocked hammer, such as by dropping the weapon. It was also discovered that the gun could only be fired by striking it with a mallet or pulling the trigger when fully cocked.
In a recent court filing, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys requested additional safeguards at trial to prevent her from being convicted if negligence by another person was the primary cause of death. Morrissey criticized the defense’s request, calling it premature and a ploy for media attention.
The new analysis of the gun used in the fatal shooting supports the claim that there was no modification made to the firearm before the incident, according to attorney Jason Bowles, representing Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. The analysis also contains images of the broken gun and a video showing Baldwin with his finger near the trigger during rehearsals.
The final decision on whether Baldwin will face renewed charges is eagerly awaited by the public and industry professionals alike, as the tragic incident has raised questions about safety protocols on film sets.