Alec Baldwin lawyers say charges dropped in 'Rust' shooting case

Attorneys for actor Alec Baldwin on Thursday announced that the criminal charges against him stemming from a fatal shooting while filming for "Rust," have been dropped.

New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies had pursued manslaughter charges against Baldwin in connection with the Oct. 21, 2021, death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. During the incident, Baldwin fired a loaded gun, inflicting a fatal gunshot wound on Hutchins while also injuring director Joel Souza.

Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said in a joint statement that "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," NBC News reported.

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed also faced charges stemming from the shooting, though the status of her case remains unclear. Neither were arrested during the legal proceedings.

Baldwin previously settled with Hutchins' widower, Matthew, who will receive an executive producer credit, and he intends to complete filming for "Rust."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.