Criminal charges dropped against Alec Baldwin over shooting of Halyna Hutchins

By Callum Boyle

Filming for the movie Rust has resumed following the tragedy.

All criminal charges against Alec Baldwin have been dropped over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie Rust. Prosecutors in Santa Fe, New Mexico had been proceeding forward with two charges of involuntary manslaughter against the Oscar nominee, but they have now been dropped. A statement from Baldwin’s lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, reads: “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.” Filming of Rust recommenced this week, a spokesperson for the movie told CNN. Production on the film was halted in 2021 after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on set by a prop gun Alec Baldwin was holding. Rust's director Joel Souza was also shot and injured. But the Western will still be completed, with Baldwin and Souza to return to finish the project, according to Rust Movie Productions. Filming resumed on Thursday, although did not take place at the original location of Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. The movie tells the story of aging outlaw Harland Rust (Baldwin), who comes out of hiding to rescue his 13-year-old grandson Lucas after he is sentenced to hang for an accidental murder.