The Blubber

Although not financially related, a grand jury has indicted actor Alec Baldwin on manslaughter in the fatal 2021 shooting on his movie set "Rust".


Prosecutors presented the case before a Santa Fe grand jury this week, led by special prosecutors who initiated proceedings after receiving a new analysis of the gun involved. Following approximately a day and a half of presenting evidence, the special prosecutors, shrouded in secrecy, chose not to answer questions. Alec Baldwin's defense attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, indicated their intent to contest the charge, stating, "We look forward to our day in court."

Although details of the proceedings remain undisclosed, two witnesses observed at the courthouse were crew members—one present during the fatal incident and another who had left the set a day earlier due to safety concerns. The incident occurred during the rehearsal of the Western movie "Rust" in October 2021, where Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer, unintentionally discharged a gun, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuries to director Joel Souza.

Baldwin claimed he pulled back the hammer, not the trigger, leading to the gun firing. The involuntary manslaughter charge opens the possibility of prison time for the veteran actor, known for his roles in "The Hunt for Red October," "The Departed," and "30 Rock."

The indictment offers two alternative bases for pursuing the charge—negligent use of a firearm and felony misconduct "with total disregard or indifference for the safety of others." Civil lawsuits seeking compensation from Baldwin and "Rust" producers were put on hold by judges in response to the decision to present the case to a grand jury. Plaintiffs in these suits include members of the film crew. Attorney Gloria Allred, representing the slain cinematographer's parents and sister in a civil case, emphasized their pursuit of the truth and their anticipation of Baldwin's trial.