Fatal shooting on a set: Alec Baldwin disputes an aggravating circumstance

UPDATE DAY

US actor Alec Baldwin on Friday accused prosecutors, who charged him in the fatal shooting on a 2021 set, of making a “basic error of law” on an aggravating circumstance the aiming. 

On October 21, 2021, this shooting on a New Mexico ranch had turned tragic when Mr. Baldwin had activated a weapon supposed to contain only blank ammunition, but whose very real projectile killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injured director Joel Souza.

This rare news item had shocked Hollywood and had a strong impact, triggering calls to ban firearms on sets, where the presence of live ammunition is in theory already prohibited.

Halyna Hutchins

Alec Baldwin is facing criminal charges in New Mexico for manslaughter and faces an 18-month prison sentence, just like the film's armorer

. The actor is notably targeted by an aggravating circumstance – which concerns him because of the use of a firearm – which makes him risk up to five years behind bars.

But in a court document dated Friday, lawyers for Mr. Baldwin believe that the aggravating circumstance mentioned by the prosecution was not in force as such in the law of New Mexico at the time of the facts, and must therefore be abandoned.

Lawyers for Ms. Gutierrez-Reed have said they will file a similar request soon, according to Variety. A hearing for both is scheduled for February 24.

Alec Baldwin is also the subject of a civil complaint from the Ukrainian parents and the victim's sister, the lawyer for the family.

Mr. Baldwin, 64, known in particular for his role in the series 30 Rock, has always maintained his innocence. According to him, he was assured that his weapon was harmless, and he denies having pulled the trigger. An assertion doubted by many experts.