Topline
The gun used in the fatal Rust shooting was so defective it could have fired without any pressure on the trigger, a source told ABC News Friday, which is why prosecutors dropped the charges against actor Alec Baldwin for his role in the 2021 shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
This aerial photo shows the movie set of “Rust” at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, N.M., on … [+]
Key Facts
Prosecutors determined it was possible the gun could fire without pressure on the trigger, a source familiar with the matter told ABC.
The Thursday decision to drop the two counts of involuntary manslaughter Baldwin was facing was made in part because investigators discovered the joints in the Colt .45 revolver used in the shooting were worn and because the trigger control was not properly functioning, a source told ABC.
Throughout the investigation, Baldwin has maintained he did not pull the gun’s trigger.
While Baldwin’s charges have been dropped, prosecutors told multiple news outlets Thursday, the investigation into the incident remains “active and ongoing.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Further Reading
Alec Baldwin Charges Dropped After Fatal ‘Rust’ Shooting, Lawyers Say (Forbes)
Prosecutor Overseeing Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ Charges Steps Down From Case (Forbes)
Alec Baldwin Moves To Disqualify Special Prosecutor In ‘Rust’ Case For Serving As State Lawmaker (Forbes)
‘Rust’ Will Resume Filming This Spring With Alec Baldwin As The Star—Despite Manslaughter Charges (Forbes)
‘Rust’ Shooting: Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter Charges (Forbes)
The ‘Rust’ Shooting, Over One Year Later: Everything You Need To Know (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/04/21/alec-baldwin-charges-dropped-because-of-trigger-malfunction-report-says/