‘He will buy his way out’: Internet debates as Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty in ‘Rust’ shooting
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Alec Baldwin entered a not-guilty plea in connection with the murder of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Thursday, February 23. Baldwin, 64, reportedly did not enter the plea in person or by video. He instead submitted the paperwork through his lawyers.
Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter more than a year after shooting Hutchins to death on the 'Rust' set at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The firearms enhancement that had been added to one of the actor's involuntary manslaughter charges was dropped by the prosecution on Friday dramatically cutting his chances to serve up to five years in jail to 18 months.
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Baldwin not permitted to own firearms
He is not permitted to own firearms or other hazardous weapons under the terms of his release. Moreover, Baldwin is not permitted to drink. However, as per FOX News, it shouldn't have an impact on him because he has abstained from alcohol since 1985.
Apart from that, Baldwin is not permitted to discuss the incident with any of the potential witnesses in the 'Rust' case, and his communication with them is also restricted. He is only permitted to get in touch with them for commercial purposes, whether they are directly related to wrapping up the movie's filming or not, the court documents cited by the outlet mention.
While "unrelated business matters" refers to other business-type contacts Baldwin might have with witnesses, "related business matters" refers to the completion and promotion of the movie as well as other activities.
On Friday when his firearms enhancement charges were dropped, his attorneys contended that the prosecution's decision to enhance the evidence was a "basic legal error" because the law was not in effect at the time the incident happened. The same was applied to 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed.
'Nothing is going to happen to him’
Many social media users remarked by saying he should not have been charged at all. On the latest news, social media users reacted and one user simply expressed surprise by asking, "Literally." One wrote, "Yes he did pull the trigger of a gun on a movie set that he believed was not loaded." One more mocked by writing, "Not guilty because I'm stupid!" Judge - "That's no defense, sir!"
Yes he did pull the trigger of a gun on a movie set that he believed was not loaded.
— Luvandresist (@luvnresist) February 23, 2023
"Not guilty because I'm stupid!"
— Harry H 🇺🇸 🦂 🌵 (@Z99511) February 23, 2023
Judge - "That's no defense sir!"
Others had the impression that he will get off with no punishment, some were even willing to bet on it. "HE WILL BUY HIS WAY OUT...," One user wrote, "I am willing to bet he gets off with no punishment.." While another said, "Not even worth following this story. NOTHING is going to happen to him."
Not even worth following this story. NOTHING is going to happen to him.
— thomas engle (@thomasengle19) February 23, 2023
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.