Alec Baldwin thanks wife Hilaria and lawyer after Rust shooting charges dropped
Move came several months after actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter over the 2021 death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alec Baldwin has thanked his wife and lawyer after prosecutors dropped charges against him over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie Rust.
The move by New Mexico officials came just over two months after the Hollywood star was charged with involuntary manslaughter over the 2021 death.
Mr Baldwin took to Instagram several hours after the announcement to post a picture of himself hugging his wife Hilaria Baldwin.
“I owe everything I have to this woman,” he wrote in the caption, as well as thanking lawyer Luke Nikas.
Alec Baldwin’s criminal charges to be dropped weeks before trial over fatal Rust shooting
Alec Baldwin, an armourer and an assistant director: Who was charged in Rust shooting death of Halyna Hutchins?
Alec Baldwin shot a woman on set. He’s now been cleared of involuntary manslaughter charges. What changed?
Alec Baldwin: All criminal charges against actor over Halyna Hutchins shooting dropped, lawyers say- Halyna Hutchins: The cinematographer’s life and career
Hutchins, 42, was shot and killed on 21 October 21 during filming for the movie at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico.
Mr Baldwin was rehearsing for a scene with a gun in his hand when it went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
The Oscar-nominated actor has denied ever pulling the trigger of the pistol, but ballistics experts stated in a report that it was the only way the gun could have fired.
“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” according to a joint statement by Baldwin’s lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro.
Paperwork to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin is expected to be filed soon by newly appointed special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, per reports.
Law enforcement will continue to investigate how the events of the tragic October 2021 day unfolded, meaning that the case could be reopened in future.
The Independent has contacted the Santa Fe District Attorney for further comment.
Baldwin’s co-defendant and ex-Rust armourer Hannah Guiterrez-Reed, is still facing criminal charges at current. The two previously pleaded not guilty.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments