The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Alec Baldwin, crew member to be charged with involuntary manslaughter in ‘Rust’ shooting

Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed face possible jail time in connection to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

"Rust" actor Alec Baldwin and the film’s armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were each charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter on Jan. 31. (Video: Allie Caren/The Washington Post)
5 min

Prosecutors said Thursday they would charge Alec Baldwin and two crew members in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a film set in New Mexico, a stunning development that could lead to prison time for the internationally famous, Emmy-winning actor.

Baldwin, who was handling a prop gun when it discharged and struck Hutchins in October 2021, is expected to be charged this month with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, a charge that carries a sentence of up to 18 months in jail. The sentence could be enhanced to a mandatory five years if a jury determines there was more than simple negligence involved in the death, according to a news release.