Alec Baldwin accused of recklessness before fatal 'Rust' shooting

Prosecutors have alleged that Alec Baldwin fired a blank round at a crew member on the set of “Rust” before the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. In new court documents filed on Monday, they accuse Baldwin of consistently flouting safety protocols while filming.

In the New Mexico involuntary manslaughter case against the actor, prosecutors plan to present evidence at his trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 9. This evidence will include instances of Baldwin's alleged disregard for on-set safety rules, which they argue culminated in Hutchins' death. Baldwin, 66, reportedly pointed his gun and fired a blank round at a crew member, prosecutors claim.

Other alleged breaches of safety protocols between October 12, 2021, and the day of the shooting include Baldwin using his gun as a pointer, firing the weapon after filming had concluded, holding his finger on the trigger inappropriately, rushing armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to reload his gun faster, and being distracted by FaceTime calls during firearms training.

Prosecutors stated that they have photos and videos showing Baldwin acting cavalierly towards safety measures. In one video, Baldwin allegedly engages in horseplay with his gun and points it directly at another actor. The court papers also describe Baldwin as frequently angry and aggressive, halting filming to yell and swear at the crew.

"Mr. Baldwin can be seen screaming intermittently throughout the attempts at filming the scene," the filing claimed. "He exercises complete control over the set by stopping the acting sequence, cursing loudly and rushing the other cast and crew."

Prosecutors argue that this pattern of behavior is intrinsic evidence showing that Hutchins' death was not an accident or mistake, as Baldwin has maintained.

During a rehearsal on the set of the Western film, Baldwin aimed his revolver in the direction of Hutchins when it fired, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin pleaded not guilty and faces up to 1.5 years in prison if convicted.

Gutierrez-Reed, 26, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in April after her conviction on the same charge Baldwin now faces.