Summary

• Alec Baldwin is now free after charges were dismissed in the Rust shooting case where a prop gun killed an on-set cinematographer.
• The actor expressed gratitude on Instagram for the received during the investigation and trial process.
• Baldwin's social media presence has been active, with followers showing encouragement and throughout.

After facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for the Rust shooting, Alec Baldwin is officially a free man. The case began on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin fired a dangerous prop gun in the direction of Halyna Hutchins, the Western movie's cinematographer. While Baldwin was unaware, the gun was armed with live ammunition. Hutchins was struck and killed, while director Joel Souza was wounded. Both Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were charged, but Baldwin's charges were officially dismissed on July 12.

After the dismissal, Baldwin took to Instagram to thank his many loyal ers. He does not name any single er, as his thanks are to anyone who has ed his family during the trial. Check out his post below:

Baldwin's post displays his appreciation and thanks to every er throughout the investigation and trial. Besides his written thanks, Baldwin included a picture of himself in the courtroom, sitting while staring at an unseen point ahead of him. He has been active on Instagram throughout the trial, where many viewers often went to encourage the actor throughout the investigation.

Why Was Alec Baldwin's Rust Case Dismissed?

Prosecutorial Misconduct Means That Alec Baldwin's Case Was Thrown Out

The involuntary manslaughter charge could have meant a serious verdict for Baldwin, if the jurors found him guilty. Baldwin faced 18 months in prison alongside a $5,000 fine. While the fine may not have been especially harrowing for Baldwin, a year and six months in prison would have been an immense punishment for the actor. However, prosecutorial misconduct saved the star from a lengthy trial. The defense discovered that the prosecution had withheld key evidence during the discovery phase of the trial, prompting the team to file a motion to dismiss the case with prejudice.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer agreed with the defense, meaning that the case cannot be retried without a successful appeal by the state. The Rust shooting trial is now behind him, and it prompted Baldwin to burst into tears while embracing his wife. The dismissal came after special prosecutor Kari Morrissey agreed to testify under oath about misconduct. She was asked to answer questions about obscene insults that she allegedly made about Baldwin to potential witnesses. Morrissey denies making those statements and denies that there was misconduct. Regardless, she promised to abide by the judge's ruling.

Baldwin, who recently earned acclaim as a member of the Mission: Impossible - Fallout cast, has been facing allegations of involuntary manslaughter since 2021, and is now free from potential prosecution. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was convicted of the same charge in March, has been serving an 18-month sentence, but her lawyer now seeks the dismissal of her charges, as the fear of withheld evidence could apply to Gutierrez-Reed's case, as well. While Gutierrez-Reed's appeal is soon to begin, Baldwin is simply pleased that the Rust trial is over.

Source: Alec Baldwin / Instagram