‘I want to shoot close to you’: Never-seen-before videos reveal Alec Baldwin firing a prop gun on ‘Rust’ set
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Newly-obtained videos reveal how Alec Baldwin handled at least one prop gun and interacted with crew members on the set of 'Rust' days before the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The footage obtained by NBC News shows Baldwin firing the guns, acting in character, and expressing concern for the safety of the crew.
Alec Baldwin’s concern for Halyna Hutchins
In one of the videos, Baldwin appears to show care for someone assumed to be the director of photography Halyna Hutchins or 'Rust' armour Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
He tells her to move away from his aim, saying, “I don’t want to shoot toward you. I want to shoot close to you.”
The videos are among dozens that special prosecutors in New Mexico requested from 'Rust' Movie Productions LLC in the spring but did not receive until October, according to a source familiar with the matter, NBC reports.
The new videos could be presented to the grand jury
The source further told the publication that the five videos could be presented to the grand jury which was scheduled to convene Thursday, November 16, to consider re-charging Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter.
The judge rescheduled it during a teleconference hearing Wednesday, a source familiar with the case said.
The move to bring potential charges before a grand jury comes after the New Mexico prosecutors dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in April.
At one instance in the third video, Baldwin says, "We should have had two guns and both of them reloading.”
After running out of rounds at one point he says, "One more, one more, one more,” and “Right away, right away, let’s reload."
Before the clip concludes, he says, “We should have had two guns and both of them reloading.” In another video, he shows concern for the cameraman who 'Are you ok'"
Baldwin’s defense and prosecutors’ intention
Baldwin has maintained in interviews that he didn’t pull the trigger and that the gun was declared “cold,” with no live ammunition.
Prosecutors haven’t said publicly what new evidence they have obtained during their months of investigation.
But the publication citing sources familiar with the case said the special prosecutors have had discussions in which they said they hope the trial will “humble” Baldwin.
The source added that the intention is for it to be a “teachable moment” for Baldwin.