Alec Baldwin Won’t Face Criminal Charges in Deadly ‘Rust’ Shooting

*The criminal case against Alec Baldwin over the fatal shooting of the cinematographer on the set of his “Rust” movie has been dropped.

Baldwin accidentally shot Halyna Hutchins on Oct. 2021 and criminal charges were first brought against the 65-year-old actor in January. Both Baldwin and the “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were each previously charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, per PEOPLE.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Baldwin’s attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said: “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident.”

“Rust” director Joel Souza was also wounded in the shooting on set. As PEOPLE reports, Baldwin claims he did not pull the trigger.

READ MORE: Alec Baldwin Admits He Is ‘Struggling Physically’ Since Shooting on ‘Rust’ Movie Set

Last October, Baldwin and the “Rust” producers reportedly settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchins’ spouse.

In a previously released statement, Baldwin said “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred.”

He continued, “I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”

In December 2021, Baldwin said he was “struggling” emotionally following the shooting.

“I’ve been struggling physically. I’m exhausted from this because I gotta try to be there for my kids. My family is all I have. Honest to God, I couldn’t give a s— about my career anymore,” said Baldwin during an interview on Good Morning America.

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