Judge Dismisses Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Against Alec Baldwin in ‘Rust’ Shooting Los Angeles, California – A New Mexico judge has dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting on the set of the film “Rust.” On Thursday, February 23, 2023, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that the prosecution’s arguments did not meet the requirements for an involuntary manslaughter charge under the law. Specifically, the judge found that the prosecution failed to prove that Baldwin knew the gun was loaded with live rounds. Baldwin was holding a replica firearm during a rehearsal for the film in October 2021 when it fired, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The actor has maintained that he did not pull the trigger and that the gun misfired. The prosecution argued that Baldwin was negligent in handling the gun, but the judge rejected this claim. Sommer stated that Baldwin acted “reasonably” in the circumstances and “did not know that the gun was loaded with live ammunition.” “The evidence does not establish that Baldwin’s actions were willful or wanton,” the judge concluded. Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, welcomed the decision, saying it was “a just and correct ruling.” “We are grateful to Judge Sommer for her careful consideration of the facts and the law in this case,” Nikas said. The prosecution has the option to appeal the judge’s ruling. However, it is unclear whether they will do so. The dismissal of the charges is a significant development in the Rust shooting case. It is the first time that any charges against Baldwin have been dismissed. The Rust shooting has raised questions about gun safety on film sets. In response, the film industry has implemented new safety protocols and procedures.A New Mexico judge dismissed assault charges against actor Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed in connection with the fatal shooting on the set of the film ‘Rust’. In a 46-page ruling, District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said the amended documents filed by prosecutors to correct errors resulted in “an unconstitutional deprivation of the defendants’ due process rights”. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were each facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in the October 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The charges alleged they failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of a loaded weapon. Sommer ruled that the prosecutor’s amended documents “introduce a new factual allegation” that Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed violated a firearm enhancement under New Mexico law. This allegation was not included in the original charging documents and the defendants had not had an opportunity to address it. The judge’s ruling is a significant setback for the prosecution in the case. It remains unclear whether the prosecution will appeal the dismissal. Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, praised the judge’s decision, saying it was “a victory for the rule of law and for Alec Baldwin”. “We are gratified that the judge has dismissed the charges against Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, but we are disappointed that the charges against them were brought in the first place,” Nikas said in a statement. Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, also welcomed the dismissal, saying it was “a just outcome”. “This was a tragic accident, and we are relieved that the judge has dismissed the charges against my client,” Bowles said in a statement. The Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office has not yet commented on the ruling.