The trial of actor Alec Baldwin for the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins began on July 10, 2024. Baldwin is facing charges stemming from the fatal shooting of Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the Western film Rust in 2021. During the first day of testimony, prosecutors accused Baldwin of playing “make-believe with a real gun” and disregarding basic safety rules. The defense team maintained that the gun was checked and deemed safe before use. Three officers and a crime scene technician testified, with much of the focus on the handling of the weapon. Baldwin kept a neutral expression as footage of Hutchins' final moments were played in court. He insisted he did not pull the trigger and did not know why the gun contained live ammunition. The trial is expected to reveal details about safety measures on set, witness questioning, and evidence collection.
