Alec Baldwin caught on camera handling prop gun prior to fatal shooting incident, newly released videos reveal
Newly released videos obtained by NBC News reveal actor Alec Baldwin handling prop guns on the set of the film Rust just days before a tragic incident involving fatal gunfire occurred
NBC News has obtained exclusive footage showcasing actor Alec Baldwin handling a prop gun on the set of the movie "Rust," just days before a tragic incident took place. The videos feature raw footage from the Western film, capturing Baldwin shooting the gun as he emerges from a shack and dashes through a rugged mountainous landscape enveloped in brush.
In one clip, Baldwin can be seen engaging with the film crew, deliberating on the movement of his character, the planned shooting of the scene, and his approach to portraying it.
In a different scene, Baldwin lies on his back with a rifle beside him, addressing the film crew.
AP- This aerial photograph captures the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, N.M., on October 23, 2021. Lawyers representing Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor during filming of the Western movie "Rust," have filed a motion on Thursday, May 18, 2023, to have the involuntary manslaughter charge against her dismissed in relation to the fatal shooting of a cinematographer in 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Jae C. Hong/AP
The key figures who were on the Rust movie set the day of the shooting
"Now, hold on for a moment. If I'm going to aim to the right, would you prefer to be on the opposite side of the camera? I'd rather not aim in your direction," the actor suggests.
This exclusive footage reveals Baldwin handling a prop gun on the set in New Mexico, providing a never-before-seen glimpse into his work. It was captured prior to the tragic shooting incident in October 2021, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life and director Joel Souza was injured. During a scene rehearsal, a live round was discharged from a gun held by Baldwin.
Baldwin had his involuntary manslaughter charges dismissed in April, but it is anticipated that a New Mexico grand jury will soon determine whether to refile charges, as reported by CNN.
According to NBC, the special prosecutors inquired about numerous videos from Rust Movie Productions LLC, and the new videos are part of that request.
The content could potentially serve as evidence in the case when presented to the grand jury. The Santa Fe County police investigation is also examining the possibility of a live round of ammunition being brought onto the movie set.
Baldwins attorneys, as well as special prosecutors did not comment to NBC.
CNN has reached out to attorneys for Baldwin and prosecutors for comment but has not heard back.
Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, expressed their regret that a dreadful tragedy has been twisted into an misguided prosecution, in a statement given to CNN. Baldwin had previously denied being responsible for firing the weapon, as stated in an earlier interview with CNN. In October, his attorneys assured CNN that they would handle the case through legal proceedings.
"We will answer any charges in court."
