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'Rust' shooting case: Internet says Alec Baldwin 'must pay the price' ahead of DA's decision on charges

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in October 2021 when 'Rust' actor Alex Baldwin was rehearsing with a gun that launched a live bullet

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Mary Carmack-Altwies, the First Judicial District Attorney of New Mexico, will disclose on Thursday, January 19, if Alec Baldwin or the other 'Rust' film crew members will be facing criminal charges in relation to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death. 

Heather Brewer, a spokeswoman for the First Judicial District Attorney's office, stated, "Regardless of the District Attorney's decision, the announcement will be a solemn occasion, made in a manner keeping with the office's commitment to upholding the integrity of the judicial process and respecting the victim's family." Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured in October 2021 when Baldwin was rehearsing with a gun that launched a live bullet. The film was shot at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, west of Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

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Baldwin has denied responsibility for the shooting. He claims that the gun was declared "cold," a word used in the industry to indicate that it is safe to use and that he did not pull the trigger. He has filed a lawsuit against the crew for negligence. Baldwin was using a single-action revolver, and an FBI forensic examination revealed that it "functioned normally" and would not fire without the trigger being pulled. The Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico stated that the shooting was determined to be an accident because the gun did not appear to have been loaded with live rounds on purpose. Additionally, authorities have been investigating how a real bullet got to the filming location.

Hutchins' estate secured a wrongful death settlement with Baldwin and the film's production company on October 5, 2022. Hutchins' husband, Matthew Hutchins, issued a statement that read, "I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame. All of us believe Halyna's death was a terrible accident." To honor Hutchins' memory and "make her proud," Souza stated in a statement that he was ready to take over again as director.

'He must pay the price'

Meanwhile, there has been a lot of discussion over the news of Baldwin's potential criminal charges online. One person who felt that Baldwin should be held accountable wrote, "It was his doing, and he must pay the price."

Another person who wanted to learn what transpired on the day of the shooting wrote, "I don't know if I want to see him behind bars or not. I do want him to be arrested and face a jury of his peers to find out what really happened."

One user holding a strong opinion wrote, "I don't care who it is... if anyone intentionally pulls the trigger of a gun that results in the death of another, it's a criminal act... if not convicted, it sets a dangerous precedent that anyone could take the 'but I didn't load it' defense."

On the other hand, there were others who held a different opinion with one person writing, "I mean I hate the guy but I don't get how he's to blame for that. He was acting ina. Movie and it was supposed to be non active fun. Shouldn't there be intent?" to which another person replied, "Same, I'm not a fan of him at all, but there are so many other people & steps that went wrong for this tragedy to happen. Alot of questions to be answered."

This other person who believed Baldwin was not responsible wrote, "For what, exactly? It wasn't his job to determine whether there were live rounds in the gun." Another person wrote, "Dislike him immensely but don't think he did anything intentionally. Negligent, yes!" 

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.