Alec Baldwin Could Face New Charges in ‘Rust’ Shooting After Analysis Finds Trigger Was Pulled

Actor Alec Baldwin, who has been embroiled in a legal battle concerning the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins for three years, could face new charges.

Originally charged in October 2021, BBC News reported that the charges were dropped last May.

However, according to a report in the New York Post, a recent gun analysis concluded that the trigger of the Colt .45 revolver used on the movie set “Rust” was pulled, despite Baldwin’s denials.

Fox News reported that Lucien Haag and Mike Haag, who were commissioned by the prosecution, also concluded that Baldwin had to pull the trigger of the gun in order for it to fire.

The report opens the door for authorities to issue new charges.

The fatal shooting occurred during a rehearsal for the movie “Rust” on a set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hutchins died from her wounds and director Joel Souza was injured.

At the time, Baldwin said: “My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and for all who knew and loved Halyna. [I will be] fully co-operating with the police investigation.”

Lucien Haag of Forensic Science Services in Arizona said in the report: “Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings, and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”

The report continued: “This fatal incident was the consequence of the hammer being manually retracted to its fully rearward and cocked position followed, at some point, by the pull or rearward depression of the trigger,” the experts continued.

New Mexico special prosecutor Kari Morrissey said via email that an announcement regarding the refiling of charges against Baldwin was pending. No timeline for an announcement was provided.

The actor, now 65, maintains that the revolver discharged accidentally and that he did not know the weapon was loaded with live rounds. Baldwin’s assertions were supported by the assistant director. According to court documents, Baldwin was told the weapon that discharged was a “cold gun.”