Why Charging Alec Baldwin with Manslaughter Is Wrong | Opinion
NewsweekJan 20, 2023
Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter
Image copyright: John Lamparski/Stringer/WireImage via Getty Images
The Facts
Alec Baldwin has entered a not guilty plea to an involuntary manslaughter charge related to the 2021 "Rust" film set shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, waiving his right to an arraignment that had been scheduled for Thursday.
Under the terms of his no-bail release, he must adhere to multiple restrictions that include bans on possessing firearms and drinking alcohol, as well as on interacting with witnesses in the case if not for business reasons in connection with the release of the movie.
The Spin
Narrative A
Weapon professionals assured Baldwin that the pistol was unloaded, and Hutchins herself told him to point the gun toward her as she was setting the camera up for a scene. This was an incredibly rare tragedy unforeseen by anyone on the film crew, but wrongfully indicting people won't bring Hutchins back, nor will it provide any justice.
Narrative B
While the armorer and the assistant director who yelled "cold gun" are responsible for this manslaughter, Baldwin also is at least partly to blame for the tragedy. It's common sense that anyone handling a firearm must check if the gun is unloaded and, under no circumstances, point it at someone and pull the trigger — unless you are willing to shoot.
Nerd narrative
There's a 0.1% chance that the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution will be amended or repealed before 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.