Alec Baldwin to stand trial on involuntary manslaughter charge related to Rust film shooting

Baldwin was pointing the gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on the set outside Santa Fe when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer – but not the trigger – and the gun fired. The subsequent analysis concluded that “the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”

The revolver also is the subject of testimony in the case of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor who is on trial for involuntary manslaughter and a charge of tampering with evidence. Her trial resumed on Monday in Santa Fe with testimony from a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) firearms expert.

Rust armourer’s lawyers blame Alec Baldwin for fatal shooting

The proceedings against the armourer hold implications for Baldwin, who faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted.

Baldwin remains free pending trial under conditions that include not possessing firearms, consuming alcohol or leaving the country.

Baldwin can have limited contact with witnesses when it comes to promoting Rust, which has not been released for public viewing. Baldwin is prohibited from asking members of the Rust cast or crew to take part in a related documentary film.