Rust shooting incident#Prosecution

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Writer and director Joel Souza conceived the story for Rust with actor and producer Alec Baldwin. The Western film was produced on a small budget of $6–7 million and was Baldwin's passion project. Its distribution rights were sold for $2 million during the pre-production phase.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alec-baldwins-low-budget-film-rust-was-never-meant-for-the-big-screen-11635251402 |url-access=subscription |title=Alec Baldwin's Low-Budget Film 'Rust' Was Never Meant for the Big Screen |date=October 26, 2021 |first=Joe |last=Flint |website=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026130840/https://www.wsj.com/articles/alec-baldwins-low-budget-film-rust-was-never-meant-for-the-big-screen-11635251402 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/alec-baldwin-rust-western-joel-souza-directing-1202946603/ |title=Alec Baldwin To Produce & Star In 'Rust' Western With 'Crown Vic's Joel Souza Directing |date=May 29, 2021 |first=Amanda |last=N'Duka |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017235227/https://deadline.com/2020/05/alec-baldwin-rust-western-joel-souza-directing-1202946603/ |url-status=live }} The production had a filming schedule of 21 days. Filming began on October 6, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico, a ghost town located thirteen miles south of Santa Fe.{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Meg |last2=Kaufman |first2=Amy |date=October 22, 2021 |title='Rust' crew describes on-set gun safety issues and misfires days before fatal shooting |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-10-22/alec-baldwin-rust-camera-crew-walked-off-set |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023235915/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-10-22/alec-baldwin-rust-camera-crew-walked-off-set |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |access-date=October 24, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times }}

Responsible for overseeing all weapons on set was the production's property key assistant and armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, stepdaughter of long-time industry armorer Thell Reed.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-10-25/prop-master-alec-baldwin-rust-accident-waiting-to-happen |url-access=limited |title=Veteran prop master turned down 'Rust' film: 'An accident waiting to happen' |date=October 25, 2021 |first1=Meg |last1=James |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027201205/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-10-25/prop-master-alec-baldwin-rust-accident-waiting-to-happen |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Montoya |first=Lorenzo |date=April 19, 2022 |title=Summary of Investigation |url=https://www.env.nm.gov/occupational_health_safety/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/04/2022-04-19-NM-OSHA-Rust-Summary-of-Investigation.pdf |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=www.env.nm.gov |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120003137/https://www.env.nm.gov/occupational_health_safety/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/04/2022-04-19-NM-OSHA-Rust-Summary-of-Investigation.pdf |url-status=live }} Rust was Gutierrez-Reed's second film serving as lead armorer. On her first film, The Old Way, several crew members complained about her handling of firearms, including an incident in which she discharged a weapon without warning and caused lead actor Nicolas Cage to walk off set.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/rust-armorer-inexperience-hannah-gutierrez-fired-nicolas-cage-film/ |title=Inexperienced 'Rust' Armorer Enraged Nicolas Cage on Previous Film: 'You Just Blew My F–ing Eardrums Out!' (Exclusive) |date=October 26, 2021 |first1=Sharon |last1=Waxman |first2=Brian |last2=Welk |website=TheWrap |url-access=registration |access-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027235336/https://www.thewrap.com/rust-armorer-inexperience-hannah-gutierrez-fired-nicolas-cage-film/ |url-status=live }}

David Halls was the assistant director. In the aftermath of the incident, former colleagues reported that Halls faced complaints in 2019 about his behavior during the filming of two episodes of Into the Dark; the complaints indicated that he allegedly disregarded safety protocols by ignoring blocked exits and a fire lane.{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/24/entertainment/rust-shooting-assistant-director-halls-complaints/index.html |title=Assistant director on 'Rust' was subject of complaints dating back to 2019 |date=October 24, 2021 |first=Julia |last=Jones |website=CNN |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024104104/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/24/entertainment/rust-shooting-assistant-director-halls-complaints/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-film-david-halls-complaint-ad-rust-blumhouse-police-1234861487/ |title='Rust' First AD Had Personal Behavior Complaint Filed On Past Project; Police Probe On Alec Baldwin Film Fatal Shooting Continues |date=October 24, 2021 |first1=Dominic |last1=Patten |first2=Anthony |last2=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024194030/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-film-david-halls-complaint-ad-rust-blumhouse-police-1234861487/ |url-status=live }} In the same year, Halls had been fired from working on the film Freedom's Path after a firearm discharged unexpectedly on set, wounding a crew member.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-rust-david-halls-halyna-hutchins-1234862258/ |title=Alec Baldwin Fatal Shooting Film's First AD Was 'Fired' From 2019 Movie Over Gun Going Off, 'Freedom's Path' Producer Confirms |date=October 25, 2021 |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026005018/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-rust-david-halls-halyna-hutchins-1234862258/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/alec-baldwin-shooting-halyna-hutchins-latest-b1945263.html |title=Alec Baldwin shooting – latest: Rust co-star says scene where he was shot at felt 'life-threatening' |date=October 26, 2021 |first1=Ellie |last1=Harrison |first2=Peony |last2=Hirwani |first3=Annabel |last3=Nugent |first4=Bevan |last4=Hurley |first5=Gino |last5=Spocchia |first6=Clémence |last6=Michallon |website=The Independent |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026021919/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/alec-baldwin-shooting-halyna-hutchins-latest-b1945263.html |url-status=live }}

On the set of the independent film One Way, a crew member warned producers about Halls' disregard for safety measures and said, "That man is a liability. He's going to fucking kill someone someday, and you're going to be responsible." However, the film's digital imaging technician disputes this claim, saying he knew Halls to be conscientious about safety.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/rust-producers-dave-halls-warning-shooting-1235100624/ |title='Rust' Producers Were Warned About Dave Halls' Safety Issues on Previous Film |date=October 29, 2021 |first=Gene |last=Maddaus |website=Variety |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103123334/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/rust-producers-dave-halls-warning-shooting-1235100624/ |url-status=live }} The Hollywood Reporter reported a number of complaints raised during the production of 2019's The Tiger Rising, which also featured Rust executive producers Ryan Donnell Smith, Allen Cheney, Emily Hunter Salveson, and Ryan Winterstern.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-producers-presented-red-flags-1235049621/ |title='Rust' Producers' Prior Film Raised Red Flags |date=November 18, 2021 |first1=Kim |last1=Masters |first2=Gary |last2=Baum |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090811/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-producers-presented-red-flags-1235049621/ |url-status=live }}

The beginning of Rust{{'}}s production came amidst a potential strike by members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) over working conditions and low pay. On October 4, it was announced that IATSE members voted 98.68% in favor of authorizing a strike, with a voter turnout of 89.66% of eligible voters.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/iatse-strike-vote-result-1235079382/ |title=IATSE Members Vote to Authorize Nationwide Film and TV Production Strike |date=October 4, 2021 |first=Gene |last=Maddaus |website=Variety |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022075153/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/iatse-strike-vote-result-1235079382/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/iatse-members-give-99-yes-vote-to-strike-authorization/ |title=IATSE members give 99% 'Yes' vote to strike authorization |date=October 5, 2021 |first=David |last=Trujillo |website=People's World |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160507/https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/iatse-members-give-99-yes-vote-to-strike-authorization/ |url-status=live }} Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins supported IATSE.{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/Halyna-Hutchins-supported-a-Hollywood-union-protesting-dangerous-working-conditions-days-before-she-was-shot-on-Rust-set/articleshow/87207350.cms |title=Halyna Hutchins supported a Hollywood union protesting dangerous working conditions days before she was shot on the 'Rust' set |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Zac |last=Ntim |website=Business Insider |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023134205/https://www.businessinsider.in/Halyna-Hutchins-supported-a-Hollywood-union-protesting-dangerous-working-conditions-days-before-she-was-shot-on-Rust-set/articleshow/87207350.cms |url-status=live }} She wrote in an Instagram post: "Standing in #IAsolidarity with our @IATSE crew here in New Mexico on RUST."{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/halyna-hutchins-balwin-shot-strike-b1943517.html |title=Halyna Hutchins: Cinematographer planned to strike over dangerous working conditions days before fatal shooting |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Bevan |last=Hurley |website=The Independent |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023173106/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/halyna-hutchins-balwin-shot-strike-b1943517.html |url-status=live }}

Some crew members claim firearms safety protocols were not distributed with the call sheets and were not strictly followed on the set. They claim there was no medic present during the construction of the film's sets. Crew members grew upset with what they claimed was a lack of adequate hotel rooms. Crew members alleged producers would only allow the local New Mexico crew courtesy room rentals after working 13 hours "on the clock". Some claimed they were only left with six hours to sleep after long drives home. However, a source close to the production said their union contract indicated a hotel would be provided if the travel distance was more than {{convert|60|mi|-1}} and that producers would provide a hotel for crew after 13.5 hours or more on set. The source also claimed that hotels were provided to crew on days they worked 10–12 hours if call time was before 6 a.m. and production wrapped after 7 p.m.{{Cite web |last1=Madani |first1=Doha |last2=Dasrath |first2=Diana |date=November 2, 2021 |title='Fast and loose': 'Rust' crew member quit over lack of safety day before fatal accident |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fast-loose-rust-crew-member-quit-over-lack-safety-day-n1282892 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108154410/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fast-loose-rust-crew-member-quit-over-lack-safety-day-n1282892 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=NBC News |language=en }}

It has been reported that some crew members believe they were mocked for wanting to avoid a one-hour drive from Albuquerque. Several crew members also cited that they were not being paid on time. A crew member added, "We cited everything from lack of payment for three weeks, taking our hotels away despite asking for them in our deals, lack of COVID safety, and on top of that, poor gun safety! Poor on-set safety period!"{{cite web |last1=Robb |first1=David |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=October 22, 2021 |title='Rust' Production Company To Launch Internal Safety Review After Fatal Accident, Possible Prior Gun Incident & Camera Crew Walkout |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-movie-gun-internal-review-safety-issues-production-camera-crew-walkout-1234860497/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022202407/https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-movie-gun-internal-review-safety-issues-production-camera-crew-walkout-1234860497/ |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=October 22, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood }} Before the incident occurred, two prop guns had previously fired a total of three times unintentionally. Baldwin's stunt double had accidentally fired two blanks when he was told a prop gun was 'cold', and the film's prop master shot herself in the foot with a blank round.{{cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=October 29, 2021 |title='Rust' Armorer Claims She Has 'No Idea Where The Live Rounds Came From' That Killed Halyna Hutchins On Alec Baldwin Film Set' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-hannah-gutierrez-armorer-statement-halyna-hutchins-1234864743/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029090825/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-hannah-gutierrez-armorer-statement-halyna-hutchins-1234864743/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 29, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood }}{{Cite web |last1=Madani |first1=Doha |last2=Dasrath |first2=Diana |date=November 1, 2021 |title='Fast and loose': 'Rust' crew member quit over lack of safety day before fatal accident |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fast-loose-rust-crew-member-quit-over-lack-safety-day-n1282892 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |website=NBC News |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106091442/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fast-loose-rust-crew-member-quit-over-lack-safety-day-n1282892 |url-status=live }}

In a letter signed by 25 crew members, these claims were disputed. In the letter, the crew writes that they "'believe the public narrative surrounding our workplace tragedy to be inadequate and wish to express a more accurate account of our experience'". The letter added that "The descriptions of Rust as a chaotic, dangerous and exploitative workplace are false and distract from what matters the most: the memory of (DP) Halyna Hutchins, and the need to find modern alternatives to outdated industry firearm and safety practices."{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 9, 2021 |title=Alec Baldwin Posts Letter From 'Rust' Crew On Instagram: 'Descriptions' That Set Was 'Chaotic, Dangerous & Exploitative Workplace Are False' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-instagram-rust-crew-open-letter-haylna-hutchins-1234887805/ |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219194345/https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-instagram-rust-crew-open-letter-haylna-hutchins-1234887805/ |url-status=live }} The letter went on to state the following:

"Unfortunately, in the film industry, it is common to work on unprofessional or hectic productions to gain experience and credits. Many of us have worked on those types of productions. Rust was not one of them. Rust was professional. We do acknowledge that no set is perfect, and like any production, Rust had areas of brilliance and areas that were more challenging. While we stand firmly with our unions and strongly support the fight for better working conditions across our industry, we do not feel that this set was a representation of the kind of conditions our unions are fighting against."{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=2021-12-09 |title=Alec Baldwin Posts Letter From Members of 'Rust' Crew Denying Allegations of 'Chaotic' Workplace |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/alec-baldwin-open-letter-rust-crew-1269428/ |access-date=2022-01-13 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090806/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/alec-baldwin-open-letter-rust-crew-1269428/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Strause |first=Jackie |date=2021-12-09 |title='Rust' Cast and Crew Dispute Reports of 'Chaotic, Dangerous' Set in Joint Letter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-cast-crew-letter-alec-baldwin-1235059967/ |access-date=2022-01-13 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090843/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-cast-crew-letter-alec-baldwin-1235059967/ |url-status=live }}

On the morning of October 21, 2021, which was to be the twelfth day of filming, seven unionized members of the film's camera crew collected their belongings at approximately 6:30{{nbsp}}a.m. MT in a walkout. They claim they were told to leave the set, with a producer threatening to call the police, and were replaced. According to a statement given to TheWrap by an anonymous insider, several crew members took a number of prop guns off-set that day, including the firearm involved in the incident, to pass the time shooting at beer cans with live ammunition.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/halyna-hutchins-live-ammo-target-practice/ |title='Rust' Shooting: Gun That Killed Halyna Hutchins Was Used That Morning for Live-Ammo Target Practice |date=October 25, 2021 |first1=Sharon |last1=Waxman |first2=Brian |last2=Welk |website=TheWrap |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026011653/https://www.thewrap.com/halyna-hutchins-live-ammo-target-practice/ |url-status=live }} After a lunch break, the prop guns had been returned. It is not clear if the firearms were checked again. On October 26, the Santa Fe County district attorney said these claims were still unconfirmed.

Later that day, the cast and crew were rehearsing a gunfight scene taking place inside of a church at the Bonanza Creek Ranch. Firearms and ammunition were retrieved from a locked safe and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed placed three guns to be used in filming on a cart. Among them were a plastic gun that could not shoot live ammunition, a modified weapon that could not fire any type of ammunition, and a solid-frame .45 Colt revolver replica made by Pietta.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-press-conference-police-press-conference-halyna-hutchins-1234863371/ |title=Alec Baldwin Shooting: 'No One Has Been Ruled Out,' DA Says Of Charges; 'No Footage Of The Actual Incident,' Sheriff Says |date=October 27, 2021 |first1=Dominic |last1=Patten |first2=Patrick |last2=Hipes |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027165338/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-press-conference-police-press-conference-halyna-hutchins-1234863371/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-bullet-gun-fired-alec-baldwin-fatal-movie/story?id=80813700 |title=Live bullet was in gun fired by Alec Baldwin in fatal movie-set shooting: Sheriff |date=October 27, 2021 |first=Bill |last=Hutchinson |website=ABC News |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104013836/https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-bullet-gun-fired-alec-baldwin-fatal-movie/story?id=80813700 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pietta Story |url=http://piettausa.com/Pietta-Story_ep_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119152423/http://piettausa.com/Pietta-Story_ep_1.html |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |website=F.IIi Pietta }}

According to a search warrant, the guns were briefly checked by Gutierrez-Reed, before assistant director David Halls took the Pietta revolver from the prop cart and handed it to Baldwin.{{cite news |url=https://www.koat.com/article/alec-baldwin-shooting-search-warrant/38040929 |title=Search warrant says Halyna Hutchins was shot in chest |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Maggie |last=Krajewski |work=KOAT-TV |access-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023003930/https://www.koat.com/article/alec-baldwin-shooting-search-warrant/38040929 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-movies-santa-fe-alec-baldwin-25d83890a289bb9ae358f406cd3cbee9 |title=Warrant: Baldwin didn't know weapon contained live round |date=October 22, 2021 |first1=Morgan |last1=Lee |first2=Susan Montoya |last2=Bryan |first3=Cedar |last3=Attanasio |website=Associated Press |access-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022235848/https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-movies-santa-fe-alec-baldwin-25d83890a289bb9ae358f406cd3cbee9 |url-status=live }} In a subsequent affidavit, Halls said the safety protocol regarding this firearm was such that Halls would open the loading gate of the revolver and rotate the cylinder to expose the chambers so he could inspect them himself. According to the affidavit, Halls said he did not check all cylinder chambers, but he recalled seeing three rounds in the cylinder at the time. After the shooting, Halls said in the affidavit, Gutierrez-Reed retrieved the weapon and opened it, and Halls said that he saw four rounds which were plainly blanks, and one which could have been the remaining shell of a discharged live round.{{Cite web |last1=Bowley |first1=Graham |last2=Jacobs |first2=Julia |last3=Romero |first3=Simon |date=October 27, 2021 |title=Dave Halls, the assistant director, said he did not thoroughly check the gun he handed to Alec Baldwin, according to an affidavit. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/10/27/movies/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust |access-date=November 7, 2021 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107110528/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/10/27/movies/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust |url-status=live }} In the warrant, it is further stated that Halls announced the term "cold gun", meaning that it did not contain live rounds. Halls's lawyer, Lisa Torraco, later sought to assert that he did not take the gun off the cart and hand it to Baldwin as reported, but when pressed by a reporter to be clear, she refused to repeat that assertion.{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Nate |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Lawyer for 'Rust' assistant director refuses to answer if he handed gun to Alec Baldwin |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-rust-assistant-director-dave-halls-lawyer-speaks-out |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103170846/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-rust-assistant-director-dave-halls-lawyer-speaks-out |url-status=live }}

B-camera operator Reid Russell was situated on a camera dolly, looking at a monitor with Hutchins and Souza both nearby. The scene involved Baldwin's character removing a gun from its holster and pointing it toward the camera.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/24/arts/baldwin-shooting-details.html |url-access=limited |title=Alec Baldwin Was Rehearsing Pointing Gun at Camera, Affidavit Says |date=October 24, 2021 |first1=Simon |last1=Romero |author-link1=Simon Romero |first2=Julia |last2=Jacobs |website=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025032032/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/24/arts/baldwin-shooting-details.html |url-status=live }} The trio behind the monitor were {{convert|2|ft|m|spell=in|1}} from the muzzle of the firearm and none of them were wearing protective gear such as noise-canceling headphones or safety goggles.

The trio behind the monitor began repositioning the camera to remove a shadow, and Baldwin began explaining to the crew how he planned to draw the firearm. He said, "So, I guess I'm gonna take this out, pull it, and go, 'Bang!{{'"}}{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-10-31/rust-film-alec-baldwin-shooting-what-happened-that-day |url-access=limited |title=The day Alec Baldwin shot Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza |date=October 31, 2021 |first1=Meg |last1=James |first2=Amy |last2=Kaufman |first3=Julia |last3=Wick |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101002235/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-10-31/rust-film-alec-baldwin-shooting-what-happened-that-day |url-status=live }} He removed it from the holster, and the revolver discharged a single time. Baldwin denied pulling the trigger of the gun, while ABC News described a later FBI report stating that the gun could only fire if the trigger was pulled.{{Cite web |last=ABC News |title=Alec Baldwin exclusive: 'The trigger wasn't pulled. I didn't pull the trigger' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/alec-baldwin-exclusive-trigger-pulled-pull-trigger/story?id=81491305 |url-status=live |access-date=December 3, 2021 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090811/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/alec-baldwin-exclusive-trigger-pulled-pull-trigger/story?id=81491305 }}{{Cite web |last1=Deliso |first1=Meredith |last2=Harrison |first2=Jenna |last3=Kerr |first3=Nicholas |last4=Pone |first4=Alyssa |last5=Drymon |first5=Vera |last6=Lantz |first6=Doug |title=What forensic testing reveals about revolver in on-set 'Rust' shooting |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/gun-rust-shooting-fired-pulling-trigger-fbi-report/story?id=88311336 |date=August 14, 2022 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090915/https://abcnews.go.com/US/gun-rust-shooting-fired-pulling-trigger-fbi-report/story?id=88311336 |url-status=live }} Halls was quoted by his attorney Lisa Torraco as saying that Baldwin did not pull the trigger, and that Baldwin's finger was never within the trigger guard during the incident.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-didnt-pull-trigger-1234883449/ |title=Attorney For 'Rust' Assistant Director Tells 'Good Morning America' Alec Baldwin Didn't Pull Trigger Of Gun That Fired Fatal Shot |date=December 2, 2021 |first=Ted |last=Johnson |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090809/https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-didnt-pull-trigger-1234883449/ |url-status=live }} When the gun fired, the projectile traveled towards the three behind the monitor. It struck Hutchins in the chest, traveled through her body, and then hit Souza in the shoulder.{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/21/entertainment/rust-film-accident/index.html |title=Director of photography killed, movie director injured after Alec Baldwin discharged prop firearm on movie set |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Sandra |last=Gonzalez |website=CNN |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022025122/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/21/entertainment/rust-film-accident/index.html |url-status=live }} Script supervisor Mamie Mitchell called 9-1-1 at 1:46{{nbsp}}p.m. MT and emergency crews appeared three minutes later. Footage of the incident was not recorded.

Hutchins was flown by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, where she was pronounced dead.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-movie-fatal-shooting-director-crew-member-dead-rust-1234860500/ |title=Alec Baldwin 'Discharged' Prop Gun That Killed 'Rust' Cinematographer & Injured Director On Set; Actor Questioned And Released – Update |date=October 21, 2021 |first1=Anthony |last1=D'Alessandro |first2=Dominic |last2=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022071806/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-movie-fatal-shooting-director-crew-member-dead-rust-1234860500/ |url-status=live }} Souza was treated by EMS and transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, where he was admitted and released by the following morning.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/joel-souza-rust-discharged-hospital-shooting-alec-baldwin-1234860638/ |title='Rust' Director Joel Souza Out Of Hospital – Update |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Andreas |last=Wiseman |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022094242/https://deadline.com/2021/10/joel-souza-rust-discharged-hospital-shooting-alec-baldwin-1234860638/ |url-status=live }}

As a result of the incident, production on Rust was suspended indefinitely, though co-producer Anjul Nigam was confident the film would resume production once the investigation ended. However, Nigam later clarified that he meant to express optimism and hope, rather than confidence, as he stated that many involved in the production hope to honor Hutchins by completing her final work.{{Cite web |last=Keegan |first=Rebecca |date=May 16, 2022 |title=Cannes: Rust Producer Says 'We'll Be Able to Complete the Movie' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-producer-cannes-1235147374/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814173248/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-producer-cannes-1235147374/ |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter }}{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2022 |title='Rust' producer is optimistic the movie will be completed after investigation |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-05-16/rust-producers-plan-to-complete-the-movie-after-sheriffs-investigation-concludes |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630050018/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-05-16/rust-producers-plan-to-complete-the-movie-after-sheriffs-investigation-concludes |url-status=live }}

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On October 21, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said it was investigating "what type of projectile was discharged" and how the event occurred. Baldwin was questioned and left without charges filed.{{Cite news |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |last2=Saperstein |first2=Pat |date=October 21, 2021 |title=Alec Baldwin Fired Prop Gun That Killed Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, Injured Director |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/alec-baldwin-rust-incident-santa-fe-1235094931/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022022412/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/alec-baldwin-rust-incident-santa-fe-1235094931/ }}{{Cite news |last=Traxler |first=Victoria |date=October 22, 2021 |title=Sheriff's office: Alec Baldwin discharged prop gun that killed crew member, wounded director |newspaper=Santa Fe New Mexican |url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/sheriffs-office-stars-prop-firearm-kills-one-injures-another/article_9612afc6-32c5-11ec-9e2e-e3cc47b69ce5.html |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023204930/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/sheriffs-office-stars-prop-firearm-kills-one-injures-another/article_9612afc6-32c5-11ec-9e2e-e3cc47b69ce5.html |url-status=live }}

{{Tweet|name=AlecBaldwin(HABF)|username=AlecBaldwin|date=October 22, 2021|text=There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.|ID=1451572461787439106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022154347/https://twitter.com/AlecBaldwin/status/1451572461787439106|archive-date=October 22, 2021|url-status=dead}}

On October 22, Baldwin sent out a tweet expressing his shock and sadness. He also indicated his full cooperation in the ongoing police investigation regarding the incident,{{Cite news |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=October 22, 2021 |title=Alec Baldwin on Halyna Hutchins Death: 'There Are No Words to Convey My Shock and Sadness' |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/alec-baldwin-statement-halyna-hutchins-death-1235095209/ |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022155555/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/alec-baldwin-statement-halyna-hutchins-death-1235095209/ |url-status=live }} which the Sheriff's Office confirmed.{{Cite news |last1=Thrush |first1=Glenn |last2=Romero |first2=Simon |author-link2=Simon Romero |date=October 22, 2021 |title=Assistant Director Declared Gun Safe Before Alec Baldwin Fatally Fired It, Affidavit Says |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/10/22/us/alec-baldwin-shooting-movie-set |url-access=limited |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023233629/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/10/22/us/alec-baldwin-shooting-movie-set |url-status=live }} On October 22, the Santa Fe County Magistrate issued two search warrants.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-filmed-search-warrant-cinematographer-halyna-hutchins-1234861151/ |title=Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Movie Fatal Shooting May Have Been Recorded, Cops Say; Search Warrant Issued For Santa Fe Location, Cameras, Phones & More |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023005133/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-filmed-search-warrant-cinematographer-halyna-hutchins-1234861151/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-film-search-warrants-police-da-guns-halyna-hutchins-1234863095/ |title=Alec Baldwin Fatal Shooting On 'Rust' Could See More Search Warrants Soon; Police Say Probe To Last 'A While' |date=October 26, 2021 |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027004026/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-film-search-warrants-police-da-guns-halyna-hutchins-1234863095/ |url-status=live }} In an affidavit, the Sheriff's Office said neither Halls nor Baldwin knew the gun was loaded. On October 27, after issuing another search warrant,{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-new-search-warrant-gun-safety-halyna-hutchins-death-1234863531/ |title=Alec Baldwin Fatal 'Rust' Shooting: New Search Warrant Reveals First AD Didn't Check Gun Properly On Day Halyna Hutchins Was Killed |date=October 27, 2021 |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029065116/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-new-search-warrant-gun-safety-halyna-hutchins-death-1234863531/ |url-status=live }} the department said they had recovered over 600 items as evidence, including 500 rounds of ammunition which were a mix of blanks, dummy rounds and suspected live rounds. They added that a projectile had been recovered from Souza's shoulder, which they categorized as a suspected live round.

The incident was also under investigation by the state's First Judicial District Attorney, as well as the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-movie-shooting-investigation-new-mexico-occupational-health-safety-bureau-alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-1234861087/ |title='Rust' Shooting Under Investigation By New Mexico Occupational Health & Safety Bureau |date=October 22, 2021 |first=David |last=Robb |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022230047/https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-movie-shooting-investigation-new-mexico-occupational-health-safety-bureau-alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-1234861087/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-shooting-camera-crew-cinematographers-guild-visit-new-mexico-1234862183/ |title=Cinematographers Guild Leaders Flew To New Mexico To Comfort And Support Members After Fatal 'Rust' Shooting |date=October 25, 2021 |first=David |last=Robb |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025215350/https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-shooting-camera-crew-cinematographers-guild-visit-new-mexico-1234862183/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Ash |first1=Janelle |title=Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting investigation moves forward as FBI completes forensic reports |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-investigation-moves-forward-fbi-completes-forensic-reports |website=Fox News |access-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812073829/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-investigation-moves-forward-fbi-completes-forensic-reports |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022 |url-status=live }} The film's production company, Rust Movie Productions, was conducting an internal review. On October 26, the film's producers said they had hired a legal team from Jenner & Block to conduct an investigation and interview the cast and crew about the incident.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-alec-baldwin-tragedy-jenner-block-law-firm-hired-internal-investigation-sante-fee-sheriff-1234863191/ |title='Rust' Producers Open Internal Investigation Into Fatal Shooting On Alec Baldwin Film; Hire Outside Lawyers To Conduct Interviews With Crew |date=October 26, 2021 |first1=Anthony |last1=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027023138/https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-alec-baldwin-tragedy-jenner-block-law-firm-hired-internal-investigation-sante-fee-sheriff-1234863191/ |url-status=live }} On the same day, women's rights attorney Gloria Allred and her law firm Allred, Maroko & Goldberg were confirmed to be investigating the incident and representing Rust script supervisor Mamie Mitchell.{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Nate |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' shooting being independently investigated by Gloria Allred: 'Many unanswered questions' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-investigation-gloria-allred |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Fox News |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026220140/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-investigation-gloria-allred |url-status=live }} On October 28, Halls hired Albuquerque attorney Lisa Torraco as his defense lawyer; Gutierrez-Reed hired former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Bowles as her lawyer.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-david-halls-hannah-gutierrez-hire-lawyers-halyna-hutchins-1234864561/ |title='Rust' First AD And Armorer At Center Of Alec Baldwin Shooting Investigation Hire Lawyers |date=October 28, 2021 |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029010625/https://deadline.com/2021/10/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-david-halls-hannah-gutierrez-hire-lawyers-halyna-hutchins-1234864561/ |url-status=live }}

On November 3, Bowles gave a television interview in which he suggested that the incident was the result of "sabotage". Without naming any individuals, Bowles cited the walkout of the camera crew earlier on October 21, calling the crew "disgruntled" and implying that one of them may have been motivated to "tamper with this scene" by placing a live round in the chamber of the Pietta revolver.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/rust-alec-baldwin-movie-sabotage-bullet-halyna-hutchins-attorneys-hannah-gutierrez-reed-1234867081/ |title='Rust' Armorer's Attorneys Say Fatal Bullet May Have Been Result Of On-Set 'Sabotage' |date=November 3, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110221958/https://deadline.com/2021/11/rust-alec-baldwin-movie-sabotage-bullet-halyna-hutchins-attorneys-hannah-gutierrez-reed-1234867081/ |url-status=live }} On November 10, Santa Fe County District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said "we do not have any proof" of sabotage and added, "The defense attorneys, we don't have the same information that they do, but until we have it in our hands, it doesn't play into the decision making process."{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-set-santa-fe-district-attorney-sabotage-1234871332/ |title=Santa Fe D.A. Refutes Claims Of Sabotage On 'Rust' Set |date=November 10, 2021 |first=Ted |last=Johnson |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090810/https://deadline.com/2021/11/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-set-santa-fe-district-attorney-sabotage-1234871332/ |url-status=live }} That same day, Bowles continued to spread his theory and said his team "are convinced that this was sabotage and Hannah is being framed."{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-armorer-framed-statement-hannah-gutierrez-reed-1234871708/ |title='Rust' Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Is 'Being Framed' In Fatal Shooting Probe, Lawyer Claims; Crew Member Meets With Police Again |date=November 10, 2021 |first1=Dominic |last1=Patten |first2=Erik |last2=Pedersen |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110221957/https://deadline.com/2021/11/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-armorer-framed-statement-hannah-gutierrez-reed-1234871708/ |url-status=live }} In December 2021, Gutierrez-Reed's father Thell Reed said there was "a lot of motive" for the incident to be sabotage.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-armorer-father-believes-sabotage-at-work-1234886248/ |title=Father Of Rust Armorer Says Sabotage May Be To Blame For Live Rounds In Gun Used By Alec Baldwin |date=December 7, 2021 |first=Ted |last=Johnson |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090810/https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-armorer-father-believes-sabotage-at-work-1234886248/ |url-status=live }}

On December 2, 2021, ABC television host George Stephanopoulos interviewed Baldwin.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-abc-news-1234883945/ |title=Alec Baldwin Says He's Been Told It's 'Highly Unlikely' He'll Be Criminally Charged In 'Rust' On-Set Shooting – Update |date=December 2, 2021 |first=Ted |last=Johnson |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208161809/https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-abc-news-1234883945/ |url-status=live }} On December 6, Baldwin deleted his Twitter account.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-deletes-his-twitter-account-days-after-shock-abc-interview-1234885348/ |title=Alec Baldwin Deletes His Twitter Account Days After Shock ABC Interview |date=December 6, 2021 |first=Max |last=Goldbart |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090846/https://deadline.com/2021/12/alec-baldwin-deletes-his-twitter-account-days-after-shock-abc-interview-1234885348/ |url-status=live }} On December 16, it was reported that Santa Fe police had obtained a search warrant for Baldwin's mobile phone,{{Cite news |last=Southern |first=Keiran |date=December 17, 2021 |title=Police to search Alec Baldwin's phone over Rust shooting |language=en |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/police-to-search-alec-baldwins-phone-over-rust-shooting-dmrq7vbk6 |access-date=December 17, 2021 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217234109/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/police-to-search-alec-baldwins-phone-over-rust-shooting-dmrq7vbk6 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/search-warrant-issued-for-alec-baldwins-phone-in-rust-fatal-shooting-probe-by-santa-fe-police |title=Cops Issue Search Warrant for Alec Baldwin's Phone in Rust Probe |date=December 16, 2021 |first=Pilar |last=Melendez |website=The Daily Beast |access-date=December 17, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090811/https://www.thedailybeast.com/search-warrant-issued-for-alec-baldwins-phone-in-rust-fatal-shooting-probe-by-santa-fe-police |url-status=live }} which was handed over on January 14, 2022.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-rust-phone-police-search-warrant-1234913061/ |title=Alec Baldwin Finally Hands Over Phone To Police For Rust Fatal Shooting Probe |date=January 14, 2022 |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114205807/https://deadline.com/2022/01/alec-baldwin-fatal-shooting-rust-phone-police-search-warrant-1234913061/ |url-status=live }}

In August 2022, FBI forensic testing and investigation of the firearm determined the Pietta .45 Long Colt Single Action Army revolver could not have been fired without a trigger pull from a quarter cocked, half-cocked, or fully cocked hammer position. It was also determined that the internal components of the revolver were intact and functional which ruled out mechanical failure as a reason for an accidental discharge. Baldwin stated during a December 2021 interview for ABC News that "the trigger wasn't pulled" and "I didn't pull the trigger."

In August 2023, a second analysis of the Pietta from a firearms expert concluded that the revolver could only have been fired by a pull of the trigger. The report also stated that the gun was reconstructed after it was broken during earlier testing by the FBI and was later "found to function properly and in accordance with the operational design of original Colt 1873 single-action revolvers."{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Meg |title=New firearms report casts doubt on Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' account |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-08-15/rust-alec-baldwin-firearms-report-trigger-pulled |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022190312/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-08-15/rust-alec-baldwin-firearms-report-trigger-pulled |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |date=August 15, 2023 |url-status=live }}

On April 20, 2022, the state of New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau fined Rust Movie Productions $136,793 (USD) for firearms safety failures after it was confirmed that David Halls, an assistant director and safety coordinator, handed a large-caliber revolver to Alec Baldwin without consulting with on-set weapons specialists prior to or after the gun was loaded. Regulators note that Halls had previously witnessed two other accidental discharges of rifles on set, but he took no investigative, corrective or disciplinary action.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Morgan |date=April 20, 2022 |title=New Mexico fines film company over Alec Baldwin shooting |work=CTV News |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/new-mexico-fines-film-company-over-alec-baldwin-shooting-1.5868685 |url-status=live |access-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421164823/https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/new-mexico-fines-film-company-over-alec-baldwin-shooting-1.5868685 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 }} In February 2023, the producers agreed to pay a reduced penalty of $100,000 to resolve the OSHA case with the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |date=February 24, 2023 |title='Rust' Producers to Pay Reduced $100,000 Penalty in OSHA Settlement (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/rust-osha-settlement-alec-baldwin-1235521477/ |website=Variety |access-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224160030/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/rust-osha-settlement-alec-baldwin-1235521477/ |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |url-status=live }}

On January 19, 2023, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said she would charge Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed with one count each of involuntary manslaughter. Halls signed a plea agreement for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.{{Cite news |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Alec Baldwin expected to be charged with involuntary manslaughter |work=Fox3 Now |url=https://www.fox3now.com/alec-baldwin-expected-to-be-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-hannah-gutierrez-reed-also-charge-santa-fe-county-new-mexico-rust-shooting-killing-cinematographer-halyna-hutchins-and-injured-directo/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119163324/https://www.fox3now.com/alec-baldwin-expected-to-be-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-hannah-gutierrez-reed-also-charge-santa-fe-county-new-mexico-rust-shooting-killing-cinematographer-halyna-hutchins-and-injured-directo/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023 }}

Carmack-Altwies hired Andrea Reeb as a special prosecutor for the case. Carmack-Altwies said that she would be handling the case in conjunction with Reeb.{{Cite web |last=Haywood |first=Phaedra |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Q&A: Carmack-Altwies speaks about decision to bring charges |url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/q-a-carmack-altwies-speaks-about-decision-to-bring-charges/article_f69a17dc-9843-11ed-bcb2-873e981770a1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120151251/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/q-a-carmack-altwies-speaks-about-decision-to-bring-charges/article_f69a17dc-9843-11ed-bcb2-873e981770a1.html |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023 |website=Santa Fe New Mexican |language=en }} On March 14, 2023, Reeb announced her resignation.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Alec Baldwin Scores Another Win In 'Rust' Criminal Case As Besieged Special Prosecutor Steps Down |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-special-prosecutor-quits-halyna-hutchins-1235299652/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314235754/https://deadline.com/2023/03/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-special-prosecutor-quits-halyna-hutchins-1235299652/ |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |url-status=live }} On March 29, after a New Mexico judge denied Carmack-Altwies' request to bring on a new special prosecutor and serve as co-counsel, the Santa Fe district attorney also stepped aside and appointed a pair of veteran New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis as special prosecutors to take over the high-profile case.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Case D.A. Suffers Another Loss As Judge Axes Special Prosecutor Co-Counsel Request |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-da-setback-halyna-hutchins-hannah-gutierrez-reed-1235310833/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327180137/https://deadline.com/2023/03/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-da-setback-halyna-hutchins-hannah-gutierrez-reed-1235310833/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Pedersen |first1=Erik |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=March 29, 2023 |title='Rust': Santa Fe DA Steps Down From Case & Assigns Two Special Prosecutors |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/rust-special-prosecutors-named-district-attorney-steps-aside-1235313012/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329201442/https://deadline.com/2023/03/rust-special-prosecutors-named-district-attorney-steps-aside-1235313012/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |url-status=live }} In April 2024, Lewis withdrew from the case and attorney Erlinda Johnson was appointed as a special prosecutor.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Morgan |title=New attorney joins prosecution team against Alec Baldwin in fatal 'Rust' shooting |url=https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-rust-case-special-prosecutor-f28ca79133c9863b0620f131fe2693bd |website=Associated Press |access-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605110929/https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-rust-case-special-prosecutor-f28ca79133c9863b0620f131fe2693bd |archive-date=June 5, 2024 |date=April 18, 2024 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Andersson |first1=Eric |title=The Real Reason Why a Rust Prosecutor Made 'Difficult Decision' to Step Down Ahead of Alec Baldwin Trial |url=https://people.com/why-rust-prosecutor-stepped-down-ahead-of-alec-baldwin-trial-8639315 |website= People |access-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511195046/https://people.com/why-rust-prosecutor-stepped-down-ahead-of-alec-baldwin-trial-8639315 |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |date=April 25, 2024 |url-status=live }} She resigned just before the charges against Baldwin were dismissed.{{cite web |last1=Haring |first1=Bruce |title=Prosecutor Who Resigned Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Case Speaks Out On Her Reasons |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/prosecutor-who-resigned-alec-baldwin-rust-case-speaks-out-1236009554/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715014206/https://deadline.com/2024/07/prosecutor-who-resigned-alec-baldwin-rust-case-speaks-out-1236009554/ |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |date=July 13, 2024 |url-status=live }}

On January 31, 2023, Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were officially charged with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting.{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Andrew |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Alec Baldwin, armorer to be charged over 'Rust' shooting |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/alec-baldwin-armorer-be-charged-over-rust-shooting-2023-01-31/ |access-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131113948/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/alec-baldwin-armorer-be-charged-over-rust-shooting-2023-01-31/ |url-status=live }} One of Baldwin's attorneys was John Bash.{{Cite news |last=James |first=Meg |date=February 7, 2023 |title=Alec Baldwin Seeks to Disqualify 'Rust' Special Prosecutor |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-02-07/alec-baldwin-seeks-to-disqualify-rust-special-prosecutor |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 8, 2023 }} However, after Baldwin's lawyers argued that he was incorrectly being charged under a version of the law that was not passed until months after the shooting, the prosecutors downgraded the charges. Thereafter, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed faced a maximum of 18 months in prison if found guilty.{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |date=February 20, 2023 |title='Rust' Prosecutors Downgrade Alec Baldwin's Manslaughter Charges |language=en |work=NY Times |url=https://nyti.ms/3XMr3Qm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813165822/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/20/arts/alec-baldwin-manslaughter-charge-rust.html |url-status=live }} On February 23, Baldwin pleaded not guilty. It was also reported that he could still work, but also accepted pre-trial conditions which include a prohibition on consuming alcohol and not having possession of weapons, including firearms.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/crime-prop-gun-shooting-shootings-9e136d6e38fe9784050463246f48efab |title=Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty in shooting, can still work |first=Morgan |last=Lee |publisher=Associated Press |date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223205354/https://apnews.com/article/crime-prop-gun-shooting-shootings-9e136d6e38fe9784050463246f48efab |url-status=live }}

On March 31, 2023, Halls pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and was sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation, a $500 fine and 24 hours of community service.{{Cite web |last=Piñon |first=Natasha |date=March 31, 2023 |title='Rust' assistant director pleads guilty to gun charge in movie set shooting case |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/31/rust-assistant-director-pleads-guilty-gun-charge.html |access-date=March 31, 2023 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331182335/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/31/rust-assistant-director-pleads-guilty-gun-charge.html |url-status=live }}

On April 20, 2023, lawyers for Baldwin announced that the criminal charges against him had been dropped by prosecutors. In a statement, Baldwin's attorneys said "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." A lawyer for Gutierrez-Reed said they were aware of the charges on Baldwin being dropped, but the charges against Gutierrez-Reed remained.{{cite web |last1=Katersky |first1=Aaron |title=Charges dropped against Alec Baldwin in fatal on-set 'Rust' shooting: Sources |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/charges-dropped-alec-baldwin-fatal-set-rust-shooting/story?id=98734243 |website=ABC News |first2=Meredith |last2=Deliso |access-date=April 20, 2023 |language=en |date=April 20, 2023 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420192500/https://abcnews.go.com/US/charges-dropped-alec-baldwin-fatal-set-rust-shooting/story?id=98734243 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Jacobs |first1=Julia |last2=Bowley |first2=Graham |title='Rust' Prosecutors Are Dropping Charges Against Alec Baldwin, His Lawyers Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/arts/alec-baldwin-charges-dropped-rust.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=April 20, 2023 |date=April 20, 2023 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420201702/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/arts/alec-baldwin-charges-dropped-rust.html |url-status=live }} Investigations into the shooting continued; according to the special prosecutors in the case, charges against Baldwin "may be re-filed".{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |title=Alec Baldwin Not Absolved In Fatal 'Rust' Shooting Despite Planned Dropping Of Charges, Prosecutors Say – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/alec-baldwin-charges-dropped-rust-shooting-halyna-hutchins-1235329568/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423193933/https://deadline.com/2023/04/alec-baldwin-charges-dropped-rust-shooting-halyna-hutchins-1235329568/ |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |date=April 20, 2023 |url-status=live }}

On June 22, 2023, Gutierrez-Reed faced a second charge of tampering with evidence, in which the special prosecutors allege that she transferred "narcotics to another person with the intent to prevent the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of herself." They later specify from a June 29 court filing that she attempted to conceal a small bag of cocaine the night of the fatal shooting after her initial police interview.{{cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |title='Rust' Armorer Tried To Hide Cocaine After Being Questioned By Police In Fatal Shooting, Prosecutors Say |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/rust-armorer-cocaine-evidence-tampering-fatal-shooting-1235427989/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=June 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630203633/https://deadline.com/2023/06/rust-armorer-cocaine-evidence-tampering-fatal-shooting-1235427989/ |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |date=June 30, 2023 |url-status=live }} On August 4, 2023, Gutierrez-Reed waived her right to a preliminary hearing to determine whether or not the criminal charges would stand, thus allowing the trial to move forward and on August 9, she pleaded not guilty to both charges.{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Meg |title=Manslaughter case for 'Rust' movie armorer heads to trial |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-08-04/rust-armorer-trial-hannah-gutierrez-reed-manslaughter-alec-baldwin/ |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807041641/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-08-04/rust-armorer-trial-hannah-gutierrez-reed-manslaughter-alec-baldwin |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |date=August 4, 2023 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Winston |title='Rust' Armorer Pleads Not Guilty as Judge Sets Trial For Dec. 6 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rust-armorer-pleads-not-guilty-judge-trial-1235560465/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810094706/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rust-armorer-pleads-not-guilty-judge-trial-1235560465/ |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |date=August 9, 2023 |url-status=live }} On August 21, a New Mexico judge scheduled her trial to run February 21 through March 6, 2024.{{cite magazine |last1=Madarang |first1=Charisma |title='Rust' Armorer Trial Date Pushed Back to 2024 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/rust-armorer-trial-delayed-alec-baldwin-1234810111/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822055547/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/rust-armorer-trial-delayed-alec-baldwin-1234810111/amp/ |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |date=August 22, 2023 |url-status=live }}

On October 17, 2023, six months after felony charges were dropped against Baldwin, prosecutors announced their intent to ask a grand jury to determine whether he should again be criminally charged in the death of Halyna Hutchins.{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Meg |title='Rust' prosecutors consider charging Alec Baldwin again in fatal shooting |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-10-17/alec-baldwin-may-be-charged-again-in-rust-shooting |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024203558/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-10-17/alec-baldwin-may-be-charged-again-in-rust-shooting |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |date=October 17, 2023 |url-status=live }} On January 19, 2024, exactly one year to the day involuntary manslaughter charges were first announced against Baldwin, he was indicted again on the said charge in Hutchins' death.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/01/19/1225700496/alec-baldwin-is-indicted-in-fatal-shooting-of-cinematographer-after-new-gun-anal |title=Alec Baldwin is indicted in fatal shooting of cinematographer after new gun analysis |website=NPR |date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119201027/https://www.npr.org/2024/01/19/1225700496/alec-baldwin-is-indicted-in-fatal-shooting-of-cinematographer-after-new-gun-anal |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/arts/alec-baldwin-charged-involuntary-manslaughter.html |title=Alec Baldwin Is Charged, Again, With Involuntary Manslaughter |website=New York Times |date=January 19, 2024 |author=Julia Jacobs |access-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119215317/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/arts/alec-baldwin-charged-involuntary-manslaughter.html |url-status=live }} On January 31, he pleaded not guilty and under the conditions of release, Baldwin was barred from possessing any firearms, consuming alcohol, leaving the country or coming into contact with anyone who may testify in the case. On February 26, a judge scheduled his trial to run July 9 through July 19, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |date=February 26, 2024 |title=Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Manslaughter Trial Set for July |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-manslaughter-trial-scheduled-1235922183/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229202126/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-manslaughter-trial-scheduled-1235922183/ |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Variety }}

On March 6, 2024, after a jury deliberated for about two hours, Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty on the charge of involuntary manslaughter but acquitted of tampering with evidence. Almost immediately after the verdict was read, she was remanded into custody until her sentencing hearing set for April 15, 2024.{{cite news |last=Granville |first=Samantha |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Hannah Gutierrez-Reed: Rust armourer guilty of Halyna Hutchins' death |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68486069 |work=BBC News |location=Los Angeles |access-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306231339/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68486069 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Blistein |first1=Jon |title=Convicted 'Rust' Armorer Will Be Sentenced in April |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-reed-sentencing-scheduled-april-1234987067/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313222204/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-reed-sentencing-scheduled-april-1234987067/ |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |date=March 14, 2024 |url-status=live }} On March 29, a judge denied a motion from her lawyers for a new trial.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |title='Rust' Armorer To Stay In Jail, Judge Says; New Trial Denied For Hannah Gutierrez-Reed |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/rust-armorer-no-new-trial-1235872105/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330173109/https://deadline.com/2024/03/rust-armorer-no-new-trial-1235872105/ |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |date=March 29, 2024 |url-status=live }} On April 15, 2024, Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison.{{cite web |last1=Deliso |first1=Meredith |title='Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez gets maximum 18 months for fatal on-set shooting |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-sentencing/story?id=109044974 |website=ABC News |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415212549/https://abcnews.go.com/US/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-sentencing/story?id=109044974 |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |date=April 15, 2024 |url-status=live }} She was released on May 23, 2025 after completing her sentence.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Morgan |title=Movie armorer completes prison sentence in fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting |url=https://apnews.com/article/rust-baldwin-armorer-prison-released-e38008c01ebf8849aae53db6a7d75434 |website=AP News |access-date=May 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524215145/https://apnews.com/article/rust-baldwin-armorer-prison-released-e38008c01ebf8849aae53db6a7d75434 |archive-date=May 24, 2025 |date=May 23, 2025 |url-status=live}} Under the conditions of parole, Gutierrez-Reed is barred from contacting any member of Hutchins' family and owning firearms, and required to undergo a mental health assessment, meet regularly with a parole officer and agree to electronic monitoring.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |title=Parole Granted For ‘Rust’ Armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Must Stay Away From Halyna Hutchins’ Family |url=https://deadline.com/2025/05/hannah-gutierrez-reed-parole-rust-halyna-hutchins-alec-baldwin-1236410566/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525160647/https://deadline.com/2025/05/hannah-gutierrez-reed-parole-rust-halyna-hutchins-alec-baldwin-1236410566/ |archive-date=May 25, 2025 |date=May 25, 2025 |url-status=live}}

On May 24, 2024, Sante Fe-based Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied a motion which was filed by Baldwin to dismiss his trial, thus clearing the way to move forward.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/alec-baldwin-to-stand-trial-rust-shooting-1235939444/ |title=Alec Baldwin Will Still Stand Trial For Fatal 2021 'Rust' Shooting, New Mexico Judge Rules |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524225250/https://deadline.com/2024/05/alec-baldwin-to-stand-trial-rust-shooting-1235939444/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-24/alec-baldwin-indictment-new-mexico-judge |title=New Mexico judge denies Alec Baldwin's motion to dismiss criminal case in 'Rust' shooting |first=Meg |last=James |website=Los Angeles Times |date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524225627/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-24/alec-baldwin-indictment-new-mexico-judge |url-status=live }} The trial began on July 9, 2024. On the first day, 12 jurors and 4 alternative jurors were selected.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-07-09/alec-baldwin-jury-rust-manslaughter-trial-begins |title=Alec Baldwin's trial for 'Rust' manslaughter case begins. Jury selected |first=Meg |last=James |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709230318/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-07-09/alec-baldwin-jury-rust-manslaughter-trial-begins |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/09/alec-baldwin-trial-rust-film-shooting-what-to-know |title=Rust film set shooting: what you need to know about Alec Baldwin's trial |work=The Guardian |last1=Paul |first1=Kari }} On July 10, opening statements got underway, with prosecution arguing that the gun assigned to Baldwin when the shooting took place "worked perfectly fine," and that Baldwin didn't do a gun safety check with the "inexperienced" armorer and pulled the trigger "in reckless disregard for Miss Hutchins' safety."{{cite news |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/live/alec-baldwin-rust-trial-live-updates-as-opening-statements-in-involuntary-manslaughter-case-begin-140050692.html |title=Alec Baldwin 'Rust' trial: Live updates as opening statements in involuntary manslaughter case begin |first1=Taryn |last1=Ryder |first2=Suzy |last2=Byrne |publisher=Yahoo Entertainment |date=July 10, 2024 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710154905/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/live/alec-baldwin-rust-trial-live-updates-as-opening-statements-in-involuntary-manslaughter-case-begin-140050692.html |url-status=live }}

On the evening of July 11, 2024, Baldwin's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case over allegations prosecutors hid evidence regarding the source of the bullets loaded into the gun.{{Cite web |last=Maddaus |first=Gene |date=July 12, 2024 |title=Judge in Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Trial Sends Jurors Home as She Weighs Surprise Motion to Dismiss |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-dismissal-manslaugher-case-bullets-1236068827/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712160543/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-dismissal-manslaugher-case-bullets-1236068827/ |url-status=live }} A set of bullets had been submitted to the authorities, with the witness claiming the bullets were related to the Rust case, but the bullets were filed under a different case number and the defense were not informed of them. The next day on July 12, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice over a Brady disclosure violation.{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |date=July 12, 2024 |title=Case Against Alec Baldwin Is Dismissed Over Withheld Evidence |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/12/arts/rust-trial-pause-alec-baldwin-shooting.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240713010615/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/12/arts/rust-trial-pause-alec-baldwin-shooting.html |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 12, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}{{cite journal |last1=London |first1=Cary |title=Shot in the Dark: The Alec Baldwin Trial Dismissal |url=https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2024/07/13/shot-in-the-dark-the-alec-baldwin-trial-dismissal/?slreturn=20240613223853 |access-date=July 14, 2024 |journal=New York Law Journal |date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714024458/https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2024/07/13/shot-in-the-dark-the-alec-baldwin-trial-dismissal/?slreturn=20240613223853 |url-status=live }} Judge Sommer found that the authorities had "unilaterally withheld the supplemental report [regarding the bullets]. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s officer made the {{nowrap|decision{{hsp}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}}}and apparently also with the prosecutor{{nbs}}[…] that the evidence was of no evidentiary value and failed to connect the evidence to the case."{{cite news |last1=Lincoln |first1=Ross |title=Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Manslaughter Trial Dismissed Over Withheld Bullet Evidence |url=https://www.thewrap.com/alec-baldwin-rust-manslaughter-trial-dismissed-over-withheld-bullet-evidence/ |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=TheWrap |date=July 12, 2024 }} Sommer further opined that the authorities' "willful withholding of this information was intentional and deliberate. If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith, it certainly comes so near to bad faith as to show signs of scorching prejudice".{{cite news |title=Judge tosses Alec Baldwin manslaughter case over withheld evidence |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240712-alec-baldwin-manslaughter-trial-dismissed-by-judge-over-withheld-evidence |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=France 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713001732/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240712-alec-baldwin-manslaughter-trial-dismissed-by-judge-over-withheld-evidence |url-status=live }}

On September 4, 2024, the prosecutor filed an appeal to overturn the decision which dismissed the case with prejudice.{{Cite web |last=Anguiano |first=Dani |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Prosecutor asks judge to reinstate Alec Baldwin’s film set shooting charge |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/04/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting?CMP=share_btn_url |website=The Guardian |language=en-US}} On September 5, the judge denied the prosecutor's bid to revive the manslaughter charge due to the motion exceeding ten pages; a revised motion was promptly submitted by the afternoon of September 6 which met the page limit.{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |title=‘Rust’ Judge Denies Prosecutor’s Move to Reopen Alec Baldwin Case on Procedural Grounds |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/rust-alec-baldwin-judge-denies-motion-revive-manslaughter-case-1236135080/ |website= Variety |access-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911063153/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/rust-alec-baldwin-judge-denies-motion-revive-manslaughter-case-1236135080/ |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |date=September 6, 2024 |url-status=live}} On September 26, a motion for Gutierrez-Reed's case to be retried or dismissed on the same basis as the dismissal of Baldwin's manslaughter charge was heard;{{cite web |author1= |date=26 September 2024 |title=US judge considers Rust armorer's appeal against manslaughter conviction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/26/rust-shooting-armorer-appeal |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=The Guardian}}{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Winston |title=Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Case Was Dismissed. What Happens to the Armorer? |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/alec-baldwin-rust-case-armorer-1236013583/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=29 September 2024 |date=26 September 2024}} the motion was denied on September 30, with Judge Sommer ruling that Gutierrez-Reed's defense had failed to establish that any suppressed evidence would have produced a different verdict.{{cite web |last1=Anguiano |first1=Dani |title=New Mexico judge denies Rust armorer’s appeal for new trial |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/30/rust-shooting-appeal-denied-hannah-gutierrez-reed |website=The Guardian |access-date=1 October 2024 |date=30 September 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Deliso |first1=Meredith |title=Judge declines to dismiss case against 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/rust-armorer-motion-dismiss-case-new-trial-ruling/story?id=114355309 |website=ABC News |access-date=1 October 2024 |date=30 September 2024}} A motion for Gutierrez-Reed's immediate release from prison was also denied with Sommer saying that Gutierrez-Reed's defense had not established that she was unlikely to "flee or pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community if released".{{cite web |last1=Melas |first1=Chloe |title='Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed denied release from prison |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-reed-denied-release-prison-rcna172784 |website=NBC News |access-date=1 October 2024 |date=30 September 2024}} On October 25, Judge Sommer again upheld her dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin, ruling that the prosecution failed to raise any factual or legal arguments which would have justified reversing her decision.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-halyna-hutchins-051dfa2cb09a3cbd355aee9ad6ed19c4|title=Judge upholds dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in on-set shooting|first=Morgan|last=Lee|publisher=Associated Press|date=25 October 2024|accessdate=25 October 2024}} On December 23, the prosecutor withdrew her second appeal of the judge's order dismissing the case after the state attorney general's office said it "did not intend to exhaustively pursue the appeal on behalf of the prosecution", officially bringing Baldwin's manslaughter case to an end.{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |title=Alec Baldwin Manslaughter Case Is Over, as ‘Rust’ Prosecutor Drops Appeal |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-manslaughter-appeal-dropped-1236258765/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230055542/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-manslaughter-appeal-dropped-1236258765/ |archive-date=December 30, 2024 |date=December 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}

On November 10, 2021, Rust gaffer Serge Svetnoy filed a lawsuit against the production for general negligence.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=November 10, 2021 |title=Alec Baldwin, 'Rust' Producers, Armorer & First AD Sued For 'General Negligence' By Film's Gaffer Over Fatal Shooting |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/alec-baldwin-rust-lawsuit-fatal-shooting-halyna-hutchins-serge-svetnoy-1234871615/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110211306/https://deadline.com/2021/11/alec-baldwin-rust-lawsuit-fatal-shooting-halyna-hutchins-serge-svetnoy-1234871615/ |url-status=live }}

A second lawsuit was filed on November 17, 2021, by script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, who says the script did not call for the discharging of a firearm.{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=November 17, 2021 |title='Rust' Script Supervisor Sues Alec Baldwin, Producers Over Shooting |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-shooting-alec-baldwin-producers-sued-script-supervisor-1235049249/ |access-date=November 17, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090847/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-shooting-alec-baldwin-producers-sued-script-supervisor-1235049249/ |url-status=live }}

On January 12, 2022, Gutierrez-Reed filed a lawsuit against armorer Seth Kenney and his company PDQ Arm and Prop for allegedly bringing the live rounds on set in a box of ammunition that she alleged arrived the day of the shooting.{{cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=January 12, 2022 |title=Rust Armorer Sues Ammo Supplier Over Live Rounds That Killed Cinematographer Halnya Hutchins |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-armorer-lawsuit-hannah-gutierrez-reed-fatal-live-rounds-1234909565/ |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113001813/https://deadline.com/2022/01/alec-baldwin-shooting-rust-armorer-lawsuit-hannah-gutierrez-reed-fatal-live-rounds-1234909565/ |url-status=live }}

On January 23, 2022, Baldwin and other producers filed a memorandum that asked a California judge to dismiss the November 17, 2021, lawsuit by Mitchell.{{cite news |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=January 24, 2022 |title=Alec Baldwin And Other Rust Producers Want Suit Over Fatal Shooting Tossed Out |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/alec-baldwin-lawsuit-rust-producers-dismiss-fatal-shooting-mamie-mitchell-gloria-allred-1234919067/ |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090812/https://deadline.com/2022/08/alec-baldwin-lawsuit-rust-producers-dismiss-fatal-shooting-mamie-mitchell-gloria-allred-1234919067/ |url-status=live }} In November 2022, the court rejected a request to dismiss Mitchell's lawsuit against Baldwin and his production company{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/alec-baldwin-rust-mamie-mitchell-lawsuit-1235254260/ |title=Alec Baldwin Can't Escape Lawsuit From 'Rust' Script Supervisor |website=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Cho |first=Winston |date=November 2, 2022 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102202248/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/alec-baldwin-rust-mamie-mitchell-lawsuit-1235254260/ |url-status=live }} and in March 2023, the judge paused her civil case until February 2024.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |title=Alec Baldwin Sees 'Rust' Crew Member's L.A. Negligence Trial Paused As New Mexico Criminal Case Moves Forward |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/alec-baldwin-shooting-trial-paused-manslaughter-halyna-hutchins-1235282808/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308224036/https://deadline.com/2023/03/alec-baldwin-shooting-trial-paused-manslaughter-halyna-hutchins-1235282808/ |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |date=March 8, 2023 |url-status=live }}

On February 15, 2022, after nearly three months of legal preparation,{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=David |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Husband of cinematographer killed in Baldwin shooting hires lawyer |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/husband-cinematographer-killed-baldwin-shooting-hires-lawyer-2021-11-03/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220075657/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/husband-cinematographer-killed-baldwin-shooting-hires-lawyer-2021-11-03/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=Hipes |first2=Patrick |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Halyna Hutchins' Estate Moving Closer To Potential Wrongful Death Suit Against Alec Baldwin And 'Rust' Movie |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/halyna-hutchins-wrongful-death-lawsuit-personal-representative-rust-alec-baldwin-1234921826/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Deadline |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220075657/https://deadline.com/2022/01/halyna-hutchins-wrongful-death-lawsuit-personal-representative-rust-alec-baldwin-1234921826/ |url-status=live }} the Hutchins family filed a wrongful death suit which named Baldwin, Halls, Gutierrez-Reed, prop master Sarah Zachry, and others as defendants and sought unspecified damages.{{Cite news |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Rust shooting: Lawsuit alleges Baldwin 'recklessly shot' Hutchins |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60392198 |access-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215211842/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60392198 |url-status=live }} In October 2022, the Hutchins family settled the lawsuit.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/halyna-hutchins-family-settles-wrongful-death-suit-over-rust-shooting-1235233791/ |title=Halyna Hutchins' Family Settles Wrongful Death Suit Over 'Rust' Shooting |website=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Cho |first=Winston |date=October 5, 2022 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005161008/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/halyna-hutchins-family-settles-wrongful-death-suit-over-rust-shooting-1235233791/ |url-status=live }}

On February 7, 2022, Rust key medic Cheryln Schaefer filed a lawsuit against the production and several crew members for negligence.{{Cite web |last=Maddaus |first=Gene |date=February 7, 2022 |title='Rust' Set Medic Sues Crew Members in Shooting of Cinematographer |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/rust-cherlyn-schaefer-lawsuit-shooting-hutchins-1235174286/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208082802/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/rust-cherlyn-schaefer-lawsuit-shooting-hutchins-1235174286/ |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Variety }}

On February 9, 2023, Hutchins' parents and sister filed a lawsuit against Baldwin and the production for negligence.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |title=Alec Baldwin Sued For Negligence By Slain 'Rust' Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' Ukrainian Parents, Sister |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/alec-baldwin-lawsuit-rust-killing-halyna-hutchins-family-gloria-allred-1235254623/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324051251/https://deadline.com/2023/02/alec-baldwin-lawsuit-rust-killing-halyna-hutchins-family-gloria-allred-1235254623/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |date=February 9, 2023 |url-status=live }} On February 27, three former crew members, Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin and Reese Price, also filed a lawsuit against Baldwin and the production for negligence.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |title=Alec Baldwin & 'Rust' Producers Slapped For "Negligent & Reckless Conduct" In Latest Suit From Crew Members; Claim Actor Pulled Trigger On Gun That Killed Halyna Hutchins |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/alec-baldwin-rust-killing-shooting-lawsuit-crew-members-new-mexico-1235273498/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323053041/https://deadline.com/2023/02/alec-baldwin-rust-killing-shooting-lawsuit-crew-members-new-mexico-1235273498/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |date=February 27, 2023 |url-status=live }}

On June 5, 2024, Hutchins' family and former script supervisor Mamie Mitchell filed a new negligence lawsuit against Baldwin and the production in Santa Fe, New Mexico after their original suits were withdrawn in Los Angeles Superior Court.{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Meg |title=Ukrainian family of slain 'Rust' filmmaker again sues Alec Baldwin, other producers |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-06-13/slain-rust-filmmaker-halyna-hutchins-family-again-sues-alec-baldwin-producers |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=June 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614091530/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-06-13/slain-rust-filmmaker-halyna-hutchins-family-again-sues-alec-baldwin-producers |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |date=June 14, 2024 |url-status=live }}

Shortly after the criminal case against Baldwin was dismissed on July 12, 2024, lawyers for Hutchins' widower and parents announced they vow to seek civil litigation against the actor.{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |title=Halyna Hutchins' Widower Vows To Take Alec Baldwin Back To Court Over Fatal Shooting Of 'Rust' Cinematographer |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-widower-sued-again-rust-1236009036/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716220525/https://deadline.com/2024/07/alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-widower-sued-again-rust-1236009036/ |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |date=July 12, 2024 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |title=Alec Baldwin Thanks Supporters, but Still Faces Lawsuits in 'Rust' Shooting |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-gloria-allred-lawsuit-1236071092/ |website=Variety |access-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716020813/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-gloria-allred-lawsuit-1236071092/ |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |date=July 13, 2024 |url-status=live }}

On January 9, 2025, Baldwin filed a civil rights lawsuit against the district attorney and other officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico alleging wrongful prosecution for manslaughter in the death of Hutchins.{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |title=Alec Baldwin Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Santa Fe Officials Over ‘Rust’ Prosecution |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/alec-baldwin-santa-fe-rust-lawsuit-1236269839/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111164659/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/alec-baldwin-santa-fe-rust-lawsuit-1236269839/ |archive-date=January 11, 2025 |date=January 9, 2025 |url-status=live}}

On March 3, 2025, lawyers for Hutchins' parents and sister filed a notice of deposition against Baldwin for his role in Hutchins' death.{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Winston |title=Alec Baldwin to Be Deposed in Lawsuit From Halyna Hutchins’ Family Over ‘Rust’ Shooting |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/alec-baldwin-deposed-lawsuit-halyna-hutchins-family-rust-shooting-1236154915/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=March 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305164804/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/alec-baldwin-deposed-lawsuit-halyna-hutchins-family-rust-shooting-1236154915/ |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |date=March 4, 2025 |url-status=live}}

On October 15, 2022, it was announced that filming was set to resume in January 2023, in California, with Matthew Hutchins as an executive producer.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-plans-restart-production-california-1235244942/ |title='Rust' Makes Early Plans to Restart Production in California |website=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Kilkeeny |first=Katie |date=October 19, 2022 |access-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020024747/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rust-plans-restart-production-california-1235244942/ |url-status=live }} Many of the film's crew gave mixed reactions towards the news, with some supporting it and planning on resuming their work on it, while others condemned the decision and decided to not return.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/rust-production-restart-crew-reaction-alec-baldwin-shooting-1235404367/ |title='Rust' Production Restart Stirs Complicated Feelings for Crew: 'The Whole Thing Is Messy' |website=Variety |first=Gene |last=Maddaus |date=October 15, 2022 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015163233/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/rust-production-restart-crew-reaction-alec-baldwin-shooting-1235404367/ |url-status=live }}

To get the permit to film, New Mexico requires at least a $1 million insurance policy. The production company had that in addition to a commercial umbrella policy for another $5 million, issued by Front Row Insurance Brokers. However, the insurance company may not pay if the accident is shown to be due to negligence and/or if there were certain exclusions in the policy wording of the insurance policy.{{cite news |last1=McCartney |first1=Anthony |last2=Dazio |first2=Stefanie |last3=Bahr |first3=Lindsey |title=Legal, Insurance, Safety Issues Swirl Around 'Rust' Movie Set Shooting |url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2021/10/28/639522.htm |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=Insurance Journal |date=October 28, 2021 }}{{cite news |title='Rust' Insurance Policy Covers a Maximum $6 Million for Injury or Death |url=https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/26/rust-insurance-policy-6-million-hutchins-souza/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=TMZ |date=October 26, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125011332/https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/26/rust-insurance-policy-6-million-hutchins-souza/ |url-status=live }}

The film would be eventually released in U.S. theaters on May 2, 2025. On its opening day, it would receive a low box office of $25,000 from 115 theaters, with the shooting incident being partially blamed for this low performance.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/thunderbolts-box-office-promising-previews-1236204629/|title=Box Office: ‘Thunderbolts*’ Storming to $73M-$77M Opening, Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ DOA|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|publisher=THe Hollywood Reporter|date=May 3, 2025|accessdate=May 3, 2025}} The same day, it would also be released on video-on-demand streaming.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/where-to-stream-rust-alec-baldwin-western-online-1236204828/|title=Alec Baldwin’s Western ‘Rust’ Will Be Available to Watch in Theaters and at Home: When and Where to Stream Online|first=Danielle|last=Directo-Meston|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 30, 2025|accessdate=May 3, 2025}}

The International Cinematographers Guild announced it would hold a candlelight vigil on the evenings of October 23 and 24 for Hutchins. The Guild additionally set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for Hutchins's family.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/cinematographers-guild-to-hold-candlelight-vigils-this-weekend-for-halyna-hutchins-1234861258/ |title=Cinematographers Guild To Hold Candlelight Vigils This Weekend For Halyna Hutchins |date=October 23, 2021 |first=David |last=Robb |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023211642/https://deadline.com/2021/10/cinematographers-guild-to-hold-candlelight-vigils-this-weekend-for-halyna-hutchins-1234861258/ |url-status=live }} The American Film Institute (AFI) announced that it would set up a scholarship program for women cinematographers in Hutchins's name.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/afi-halyna-hutchins-rust-scholarship-female-cinematographers-1235095881/ |title=AFI Honors Halyna Hutchins' Legacy With Scholarship Fund for Women Cinematographers |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Jazz |last=Tangcay |website=Variety |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023192944/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/afi-halyna-hutchins-rust-scholarship-female-cinematographers-1235095881/ |url-status=live }} On October 24, a vigil took place in New Mexico to mourn Hutchins's death. Industry professionals, including a number of Hollywood actors, were among those who attended the event in Albuquerque. Some attendees also called for better safety measures to be taken on film sets.{{Cite web |title=Vigil held for Halyna Hutchins as 'super unsafe' conditions on Baldwin film set under scrutiny |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/oct/24/alec-baldwin-film-halyna-hutchins-vigil |website=The Guardian |date=October 25, 2021 |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025042631/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/oct/24/alec-baldwin-film-halyna-hutchins-vigil |url-status=live }}

On October 29, Gutierrez-Reed released a statement saying that "the whole production set became unsafe" due to several factors that included a lack of safety meetings and her having to work two positions, preventing her from focusing full-time on her position as armorer. The statement also said that she "fought for training, days to maintain weapons, and proper time to prepare for gunfire but ultimately was overruled by production and her department", and that she had no idea where the live rounds came from. On November 1, Halls released a statement to the New York Post in which he paid his respects to Hutchins and said he hoped the incident would cause "the industry to reevaluate its values and practices to ensure no one is harmed through the creative process again".{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/columns/rust-investigation-halyna-hutchins-david-halls-alec-baldwin-1235103307/ |title=In 'Rust' Investigation, It Is Imperative to Let the Facts Speak |date=November 3, 2021 |first=Claudia |last=Eller |website=Variety |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103184255/https://variety.com/2021/film/columns/rust-investigation-halyna-hutchins-david-halls-alec-baldwin-1235103307/ |url-status=live }}

The shooting sparked debates about the use of guns as props on film sets.{{cite web |last=Moniuszko |first=Sara M. |date=October 22, 2021 |title=What is a prop gun and how can it kill someone? How the Alec Baldwin tragedy was possible |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/10/22/what-prop-gun-alec-baldwin-shooting-incident-raises-questions/6132220001/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 24, 2021 |website=USA Today |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023220751/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/10/22/what-prop-gun-alec-baldwin-shooting-incident-raises-questions/6132220001/ }}{{cite web |url=https://people.com/movies/alec-baldwins-rust-fatal-shooting-prompts-petition-to-end-use-of-real-guns-on-sets/ |title=Alec Baldwin's Rust Fatal Shooting Prompts Petition to End Use of Real Guns on Sets |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Alexia |last=Fernández |website=People |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023190803/https://people.com/movies/alec-baldwins-rust-fatal-shooting-prompts-petition-to-end-use-of-real-guns-on-sets/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/prop-guns-spark-debate-after-cinematographers-death-set-2021-10-22/ |title=Prop guns spark debate after cinematographer's death on set |date=October 23, 2021 |first=Gabriella |last=Borter |website=Reuters |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023232528/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/prop-guns-spark-debate-after-cinematographers-death-set-2021-10-22/ |url-status=live }} Shannon Lee, the daughter of Hong Kong-American actor and martial arts expert Bruce Lee, and the sister of Brandon Lee, an actor who was killed by a similar accidental shooting from a prop firearm on the film set of The Crow in 1993, called for mandatory gun safety training and a reduction of the use of firearms as props, stating that "with all the special effects that are possible and all of the technology, there is no reason to have a prop gun or a gun on a set that can fire a projectile of any sort".{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/shannon-brandon-lee-alec-baldwin-the-crow-rust-prop-gun_n_617376e2e4b079111a577e16 |title=Family Of Brandon Lee, Who Died In Prop Gun Accident, Voices 'Frustration' After Set Death |date=October 23, 2021 |first=Mary |last=Papenfuss |website=HuffPost |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023195413/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/shannon-brandon-lee-alec-baldwin-the-crow-rust-prop-gun_n_617376e2e4b079111a577e16 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/shannon-lee-brandon-lee-halyna-hutchins-1235102857/ |title=Shannon Lee, Brandon Lee's Sister, Calls for Mandatory Gun Safety Training and Reducing Real Firearms on Set in Wake of 'Rust' Tragedy (Guest Column) |date=November 3, 2021 |first=Shannon |last=Lee |author-link=Shannon Lee |website=Variety |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103145231/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/shannon-lee-brandon-lee-halyna-hutchins-1235102857/ |url-status=live }} Similar comments were echoed by others who knew Lee or had worked with him on The Crow.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ernie-hudson-brandon-lee-movie-the-crow-1235036439/ |title=Ernie Hudson Heartbroken Over 'Rust' Shooting, Says He Can't Watch 'The Crow' |date=October 25, 2021 |first=Ryan |last=Parker |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027053712/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ernie-hudson-brandon-lee-movie-the-crow-1235036439/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/10/22/alec-baldwin-prop-gun-shooting-surfaces-memories-brandon-lee-death/6132318001/ |title='Avoidable tragedy': Brandon Lee's fiancee breaks silence after similar 'Rust' shooting death |date=October 26, 2021 |first=Scott |last=Gleeson |website=USA Today |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027043634/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/10/22/alec-baldwin-prop-gun-shooting-surfaces-memories-brandon-lee-death/6132318001/ |url-status=live }} This led director Rupert Sanders, who directed the 2024 film adaptation of The Crow starring Bill Skarsgård, to ban all real guns from his set and use Airsoft guns instead, deeming the cost "worth it" as long it ensured the safety and comfort of his cast and crew.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/the-crow-reboot-banned-guns-brandon-lee-death-1236112451/|title=‘The Crow’ Reboot Banned Real Guns After Brandon Lee’s Death on the Original Film’s Set and the ‘Rust’ Tragedy (Exclusive)|date=2024-08-20|work=Variety|first=William|last=Earl|access-date=2024-08-21|language=en-US}} Bill Dill, a cinematographer who was a teacher for Hutchins at the AFI, also suggested using special effects instead, calling it "archaic" that "real guns with blanks in them" are used in film.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/halyna-hutchins-alec-baldwin-twitter-hollywood-new-york-b1944367.html |title=Let computers do it: Film set tragedy spurs call to ban guns |date=October 24, 2021 |first1=Lindsey |last1=Bahr |first2=Lynn |last2=Elber |first3=Hillel |last3=Italie |first4=Lizzie |last4=Knight |website=The Independent |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025193453/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/halyna-hutchins-alec-baldwin-twitter-hollywood-new-york-b1944367.html |url-status=live }} On October 22, The Rookie showrunner Alexi Hawley announced that the show would ban live guns from set, stating that "it is now policy on The Rookie that all gunfire on set will be Airsoft guns with CGI muzzle flashes added in post."{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/abcs-the-rookie-bans-live-gunfire-on-set-fatal-rust-shooting-alec-baldwin-1234861100/ |title=ABC's 'The Rookie' Bans 'Live' Gunfire On Set In Wake Of Fatal 'Rust' Shooting |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Denise |last=Petski |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023230119/https://deadline.com/2021/10/abcs-the-rookie-bans-live-gunfire-on-set-fatal-rust-shooting-alec-baldwin-1234861100/ |url-status=live }}

Firearms safety expert Dave Brown disputed the need to use only fake or toy guns in future film productions. In an article for CNN, he wrote that incidents such as this one "are the result not of including firearms on a film set but of a cavalier attitude towards safety" and "[w]hen handled responsibly, firearms are as safe as any other prop on a film set." He explained that, "On a safe production, each firearm is meticulously inspected every time it changes hands. It means every take of every angle of every scene; the same prop gun could be checked and re-checked dozens upon dozens of times in a single day. Live ammunition, without question, is never allowed on set."{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/opinions/film-set-guns-safety-brown/index.html/ |title=Guns can be safely used on a film set – but only if you follow the rules |date=October 25, 2021 |first=Dave |last=Brown |website=CNN |access-date=October 25, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824090812/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/opinions/film-set-guns-safety-brown/index.html/ }}

The shooting sparked debates about the use of guns in films and television more generally. In an article for The Conversation, Brad Bushman of Ohio State University and Dan Romer of the University of Pennsylvania argued that "the gun industry pays production companies to place its products in their movies. They are rewarded with frequent appearances on screen," and that "the more guns there are in movies, the more likely it is that a shooting will occur – both in the 'reel' world and in the 'real' world."{{cite web |url=https://theconversation.com/hollywoods-love-of-guns-increases-the-risk-of-shootings-both-on-and-off-the-set-170489 |title=Hollywood's love of guns increases the risk of shootings – both on and off the set |date=October 22, 2021 |first=Brad |last=Bushman |website=The Conversation |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026024241/https://theconversation.com/hollywoods-love-of-guns-increases-the-risk-of-shootings-both-on-and-off-the-set-170489 |url-status=live }} An editorial for the Los Angeles Times said the incident "raises the bigger issue of the proliferation of guns in shows and movies. Weapons are often part of plot points but do they need to be? TV and movie cops brandish and fire their weapons often, but in reality, a police officer rarely draws his or her gun (outside of a shooting range) in the course of an entire career."{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-10-26/editorial-do-we-need-real-guns-on-tv-and-film-sets-no-we-dont |url-access=limited |title=Editorial: Does Hollywood need to use real guns to tell good stories? No, it doesn't |date=October 26, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026101948/https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-10-26/editorial-do-we-need-real-guns-on-tv-and-film-sets-no-we-dont |url-status=live }}

The shooting also sparked debates about working conditions on film sets.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/rust-halyna-hutchins-death-alec-baldwin-production-1235096161/ |title='Rust' Tragedy Reflects Troubling Trends on Movie and TV Sets: 'We Did This to Ourselves' |date=October 23, 2021 |first=Cynthia |last=Littleton |website=Variety |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023220231/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/rust-halyna-hutchins-death-alec-baldwin-production-1235096161/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/cinematography-deadliest-job-in-hollywood-rust-death-cinematographer-halyna-hutchins-camera-crews-1234861489/ |title=Cinematography Is The Deadliest Job In Hollywood: Death Of 'Rust' Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins Puts Spotlight On Safety For Camera Crews |date=October 24, 2021 |first=David |last=Robb |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024200759/https://deadline.com/2021/10/cinematography-deadliest-job-in-hollywood-rust-death-cinematographer-halyna-hutchins-camera-crews-1234861489/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/10/halyna-hutchins-shooting-rust-iatse-alec-baldwin |title=Halyna Hutchins's Death on the Set of Rust Was 'Not a Freak Accident' |date=October 25, 2021 |first=Alex N. |last=Press |website=Jacobin Magazine |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025224547/https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/10/halyna-hutchins-shooting-rust-iatse-alec-baldwin |url-status=live }} In a speech at a vigil, IATSE vice-president Michael Miller said, "I'm afraid we are also gathered with some frustration and a little bit of anger. Anger that too often the rush to complete productions and the cutting of corners puts safety on the back burner and puts crew members at risk."{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/halyna-hutchins-rust-iatse-candlelight-vigil-1235096636/ |title=Halyna Hutchins Candlelight Vigil Draws Hundreds of Industry Artisans: 'This Could Have Been Any of Us' |date=October 24, 2021 |first=Michael |last=Schneider |website=Variety |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025053027/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/halyna-hutchins-rust-iatse-candlelight-vigil-1235096636/ |url-status=live }} In a Facebook post, the gaffer on the film set, Serge Svetnoy, said that "to save a dime sometimes [producers] hire people who are not fully qualified for the complicated and dangerous job."{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-serge-svetnoy-halyna-hutchins-alec-baldwin-negligence-unprofessionalism-1234861697/ |title='Rust' Chief Electrician Says Halyna Hutchins Death Was Result Of 'Negligence And Unprofessionalism' |date=October 25, 2021 |first=Greg |last=Evans |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025155235/https://deadline.com/2021/10/rust-serge-svetnoy-halyna-hutchins-alec-baldwin-negligence-unprofessionalism-1234861697/ |url-status=live }}

• List of film and television accidents
• The Captive, a 1915 film that used live ammunition during filming, resulting in the accidental shooting death of an extra
• Twilight Zone accident, a 1982 helicopter crash that caused the death of Vic Morrow and two child actors
• Death of Jon-Erik Hexum, a 1984 accident with a gun being used as a prop during the filming of Cover Up, involving a self-inflicted blank cartridge gunshot to the head
• The Late, Late Breakfast Show: In 1986, Michael Lush died in a rehearsal for this British variety show during a bungee jump
• Death of Brandon Lee, a 1993 accident with a gun being used as a prop during the filming of The Crow, involving a propelled squib load
• Safety for Sarah movement, a campaign created after camera assistant Sarah Jones (aged 27 years) was struck and killed by a train during the filming of Midnight Rider on February 20, 2014 in Wayne County, Georgia.

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