The Alec Baldwin Trial

Prosecutors portray Baldwin as irresponsible and a danger to others

Actor Alec Baldwin stands trial in New Mexico for the 2019 accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.” During the first day of the trial, prosecutors sought to convince jurors that Baldwin is someone who recklessly flouts safety rules, and that his actions led to very real danger and the death of Hutchins.

Alec Baldwin’s alleged dangerous behavior on the film set

Special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson accused Baldwin of requesting to be assigned the biggest gun available, and then carelessly disregarding basic firearm safety, using the gun as a pointer and cocking the hammer when he shouldn’t have. Ocampo Johnson stated that behind-the-scenes video will show Baldwin breaking the safety rules that resulted in Hutchins’ tragic death.

Baldwin’s defense

Baldwin’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, emphasized that Baldwin had only done what actors usually do when playing a role, and that he had not tampered with the gun. Spiro called the incident an unspeakable tragedy and placed the responsibility for the shooting on the film crew, particularly on Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, who was already convicted of involuntary manslaughter and assistant director David Halls, who told Baldwin the gun was “cold.” Spiro argued that Baldwin could not be charged with manslaughter even if he fired the gun intentionally because on a movie set, actors are allowed to pull the trigger.

The first witness takes the stand

Nicholas LeFleur, the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the movie set after the shooting, was the first witness to take the stand. His lapel camera video showed the chaotic scene and the apparent unconsciousness of Hutchins. Baldwin repeatedly tried to speak to other witnesses in the video, despite LeFleur telling him not to do so. Baldwin’s siblings, Stephen Baldwin and Elizabeth Keuchler, and his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, were also present in the courtroom.

The trial continues

The trial for Alec Baldwin’s role in the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins continues with testimony from a crime scene technician with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department. The trial, which could result in up to 18 months of imprisonment for Baldwin, has sent shockwaves throughout the film industry.

Originally Post From https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/entertainment/2024/07/10/alec-baldwin-trial-opening-statements

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