Previously unreleased videos from the set of “Rust” show actor Alec Baldwin practicing gun safety before firing a shot from his pistol that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021.
NBC News says it obtained five videos lasting a total of seven minutes, which show Baldwin practicing quick draws and firing prop guns, all while making sure crew members steered clear of spots where a potential misstep might put them in danger.
One of the videos reportedly shows Baldwin telling someone to move to the other side of the camera operator because “I don’t want to shoot towards you.” Another video is said to show Baldwin suggesting the crew should film on a safer part of a trail.
The footage was reportedly filmed in the days just before Hutchins and director Joel Souza were struck with a live round fired from Baldwin’s Colt 45. The actor insists he had no idea the weapon was loaded with live ammunition and denies any wrongdoing. Souza survived his injury.
It’s possible the videos obtained by NBC News could be used in the ongoing criminal case against the 65-year-old star, who’s also a producer on “Rust.”
While charges were previously dropped against Baldwin in April, prosecutors announced in October they’d decided to move forward with involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with Hutchins’ death. If convicted, Baldwin could spend 18 months behind bars.
Filming on “Rust” was completed in May, though the Western has yet to be released.
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