What's happened
New Mexico prosecutors seek to recharge Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting on the Rust film set.
Why it matters
The potential recharge of Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is significant due to the high-profile nature of the case and the ongoing debate over the circumstances of the shooting.
What the papers say
The Times reports that prosecutors argue new facts have emerged that require further investigation. The Independent highlights the forensic testing of the gun, which concluded that the trigger had to have been pulled for the gun to go off. AP News emphasizes the decision to reopen the case after submitting the gun for further analysis, contradicting Baldwin's assertion that he had not pulled the trigger. New York Times mentions the decision to convene a grand jury as a reversal of fortune for Baldwin, who had an earlier manslaughter charge dropped after prosecutors received new evidence suggesting that the gun might have been modified. NY Post reports that special prosecutors dismissed Baldwin's initial involuntary manslaughter charge in April due to new facts in the case, but retained the right to recharge the actor.
How we got here
The fatal shooting occurred on the set of the film 'Rust' in 2021, leading to initial charges against Alec Baldwin, which were later dropped due to new evidence. The decision to convene a grand jury comes after further analysis of the gun contradicted Baldwin's assertion that he had not pulled the trigger.
More on these topics
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Alexander Rae Baldwin III is an American actor, writer, producer, comedian, and political activist. A member of the Baldwin family, he is the eldest of the four Baldwin brothers, all actors.
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Halyna Hutchins was a Ukrainian cinematographer and journalist credited with work on more than 30 films, short films and TV miniseries, including the films Archenemy, Darlin', and Blindfire.
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Rust is an upcoming American Western film written and directed by Joel Souza. It stars Alec Baldwin, Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher, and Jensen Ackles.