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Updated 22:59 IST, July 10th 2024

Rust Shooting Trial: Prosecuter Says Alec Baldwin Played 'Make Believe' With Real Gun | 5 Statements

In the latest Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial, the prosecution presented arguments against the actor in their opening statements. Take a look.

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Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin | Image: AP

Alec Baldwin is facing legal charges of involuntary manslaughter for an incident that took place on the sets of his movie Rust, three years ago. The actor is facing his involuntary manslaughter charge in the fatal shooting on the set of the film. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. The trial for the same began at the Santa Fe, New Mexico courthouse on July 9. The prosecution presented five arguments against the 66-year-old actor in their opening statements.

File Image of Alec Baldwin | Source: IMDB

Violated the cardinal rules of “firearm safety”

As per AP News, special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson argued in her opening statement that Baldwin “violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety” by skipping safety checks and recklessly handling a revolver in the moments leading up to the shooting.  

Treated a real gun as if it were a toy

“The evidence will show that someone who played make-believe with a real gun and violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety is the defendant, Alexander Baldwin,” special prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson said.

Alec Baldwin with his attorney at the courthouse | Image: AP News

A rising star was killed

Johnson walked the jurors through the events leading up to Hutchins's death. She said on that day, Baldwin declined multiple opportunities for standard safety checks with armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed before the rehearsal in the small church about 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the courthouse where Hutchins, “a vibrant 42-year-old rising star,” was killed. She said Baldwin instead “did his own thing.”

Act in a reckless manner at the workplace

Johnson emphasised in her opening that the set was a workplace, where innocent people had the expectation of safety that Baldwin and others denied them. “The evidence will show that like in many workplaces, there are people who act in a reckless manner and place other people in danger,” Johnson said. “That, you will hear, is the defendant.” 

Declined multiple opportunities for standard safety checks

“That gun the defendant had asked to be assigned worked perfectly fine as it was designed,” Johnson said. “He pointed the gun at another human being, cocked the hammer, and pulled that trigger, in reckless disregard for Mis Hutchins safety.”
(With inputs from AP News) 

Published 22:59 IST, July 10th 2024