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Newly released footage from the set of the film “Rust,” obtained by NBC News, provides a glimpse into the events leading up to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The footage, which includes actor Alec Baldwin and other cast members handling guns and discussing safety, was filmed days before the tragic incident.
The videos show Baldwin rehearsing, handling firearms, and directing crew members, including Hutchins.
In one clip, Baldwin is heard expressing his concern for the crew’s safety.
“Everybody who doesn’t need to be right here in the path of the gun, could you please move?” says a member of the cast or crew.
“I’m going to shoot right. Do you want to go on the other side of the camera? I don’t want to shoot toward you. I want to shoot close to you,” Baldwin says.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, these clips are part of the evidence provided to special prosecutors just days before announcing plans to recharge Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter.
SEE ALSO: More Calls to Ban Guns on Set with ‘Halyna’s Law,’ Change.org Petition
The footage is expected to play a critical role in the upcoming New Mexico grand jury proceedings.
While Baldwin’s legal team and the prosecution have declined to comment on the videos, the clips reveal Baldwin’s assertive role on the low-budget set.
In one scene, he is heard demanding a blanket and directing its placement for a scene.
The prosecution believes that Baldwin displayed arrogance, and they hope a trial would bring a sense of responsibility to the actor.
SEE ALSO: Alec Baldwin Skipped Firearms Training On ‘Rust’ Set
Baldwin has publicly stated, “Someone put a live bullet in a gun, a bullet that wasn’t even supposed to be on the property. Someone is responsible for what happened, and I can’t say who that is, but I know it’s not me.”
Laura Jarrett, NBC Senior Legal Analyst, notes that the presentation of these clips to the grand jury is crucial.
“These are just clips. We don’t know what came before these clips or all that they have,” she stated.
Jarrett also highlighted the importance of the prosecution showing any exculpatory evidence that could negate guilt.
The journey to this point has been tumultuous, with initial charges against Baldwin being dropped and then reinstated.
The focus now shifts to the grand jury, originally scheduled to be convened today but now expected to begin before the start of Hanna Gutierrez Reid’s trial in February.
As the case unfolds, the film industry and the public await further developments, hoping for answers and justice in a situation that has raised numerous questions about safety protocols on film sets.
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