Rust trial prosecutors say Alec Baldwin violated ‘cardinal rules of firearm safety’

Actor charged with involuntary manslaughter over 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on film set

Almost three years after the fatal shooting on the movie set of Rust, prosecutors began to lay out their case against Alec Baldwin in a packed Santa Fe courtroom, painting a picture of an unsafe workplace on a tight budget with a lead actor who violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety".

Proceedings in the actor's involuntary manslaughter trial kicked off on Wednesday with the prosecution and defense offering their opening statements. The courtroom was filled to capacity with dozens of media as well as Baldwin's wife and brother, who sat just behind the actor.