A series of exclusive videos obtained by NBC News has shed new light on the events leading up to the tragic shooting on the set of the movie “Rust.” The footage captures Alec Baldwin handling at least one prop gun and engaging with crew members in scenes filmed just days before the fatal incident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The five videos, totaling approximately seven minutes, reveal Baldwin’s preparations for scenes, firing of prop guns, and his interactions while in character. In two of these videos, Baldwin can be seen expressing concerns about crew members’ safety and attempting to rearrange them.
Special prosecutors in New Mexico had scheduled a grand jury hearing to consider recharging Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter. However, the judge rescheduled the hearing during a teleconference, as reported by a source familiar with the case.
These exclusive videos were among dozens requested by special prosecutors from Rust Movie Productions LLC in the spring but were not received until October. The majority of the videos have not been reviewed by NBC News. The intention to re-charge Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter was announced by prosecutors on October 17.
It remains unclear how much of the footage prosecutors have reviewed and whether the five videos will be presented to the grand jury. Kari Morrissey, one of the lead special prosecutors on the case, declined to comment on the matter due to the pending grand jury proceedings.
These videos represent the most substantive film footage of Baldwin in action on the set of “Rust” and provide insight into his interactions with prop guns and crew members. Previously released evidence included rehearsal clips showing Baldwin practicing with a gun and bodycam footage of investigators questioning him after the shooting. In February, NBC affiliate KOB of Albuquerque released cellphone video of Baldwin firing prop guns on set.
In one of the videos obtained by NBC News, Baldwin can be seen lying on the ground with a prop gun, ensuring the safety of those around him. In another, he requests a blanket to be placed off-camera for safety during a scene.
The third video captures Baldwin repeatedly firing a prop gun in character, emphasizing the need for a quick reload to keep the scene moving. The fourth and fifth videos show Baldwin pausing filming to check on crew safety, expressing concerns about steep paths and ensuring the well-being of a fallen cameraman.
Alec Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, have not yet responded to requests for comment. In October, following the announcement of potential charges, they stated, “We will answer any charges in court.”
The decision to bring potential charges before a grand jury comes after New Mexico prosecutors initially dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in April. Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger and that the gun was declared “cold” with no live ammunition by assistant director Dave Halls, who pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge in March.
The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January, and her trial is scheduled to begin on February 21. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
