Jury selected in Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ trial
SANTA FE, N.M. — A jury has been selected in the trial of Alec Baldwin for the deadly shooting on the “Rust” movie set near Santa Fe in October 2021.
Baldwin, the actor and executive producer of “Rust,” faces an involuntary manslaughter charge. Authorities say he was holding the gun that went off, firing a bullet that shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.
On Tuesday, 70 New Mexicans showed up to be potential jurors in the trial. Prosecutors asked them if they worked in the film industry, if they knew anyone that did. They also asked if the intense media coverage has persuaded them one way or the other, and if they have strong feelings about guns.
Baldwin’s attorneys scored a big win during pretrial motion hearings Monday. A judge ruled that Baldwin’s role as producer of “Rust” isn’t relevant to the trial. It’s a setback for prosecutors as they planned to present evidence showing how Baldwin had special responsibility as co-producer for the environment they described that led to the deadly shooting.
Baldwin was present for the hearings with his wife Hilaria Baldwin. He will be in-person for the trial, scheduled to last 10 days. Opening statements are expected to begin Wednesday.
Ryan Laughlin is in Santa Fe covering the proceedings. Follow him on X and Instagram for the latest updates. We have more information here on the “Rust” coverage page.