Will Alec Baldwin Be Prosecuted Over 'Rust' Shooting Incident? Veteran Lawyer Says It's Impossible
Alec Baldwin is under the spotlight again after the new findings in the "Rust" shooting incident emerged.
A new report released by the FBI discovered that there was no way the gun would fire on its own on the "Rust" set. Thus, they concluded that the actor pulled the trigger.
It caused buzz about Baldwin's possible criminal charges, but a lawyer recently explained why he could not be held criminally accountable for Halyna Hutchin's death.
The 83-year-old lawyer, Alan Dershowitz, included in his new book, "The Price of Principle: Why Integrity Is Worth the Consequences," the analysis of the shooting incident. He also explained what Baldwin's responsibility was as the one who held the gun.
Dershowitz explained that the authorities would find it hard to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that Baldwin is guilty of killing Hutchins since he was told that the gun was cold.
"There is no presumption of innocence as to whether a death should be deemed criminal. The presumption of innocence attaches not to events, but to individuals. So, strange as it may seem, there can be a 'crime' without there being a 'criminal.' That may well be the case here," he wrote, as quoted by RadarOnline.
Alec Baldwin Can Still Be Charged
Although he said that Baldwin could not be held criminally responsible for Hutchin's tragic passing, Dershowitz clarified that the actor might be civilly liable for her death.
"Yes, he had responsibilities as the last actor handling the gun and as one of the producers who oversee the entire enterprise. That may be enough for civil liability, but it will be difficult to prove criminal negligence," he went on.
READ ALSO: Alec Baldwin Insists THIS Despite Recent 'Rust' Shooting Findings; Says the Issue Is Different
His insights came out in connection with the FBI's recent findings. Its forensic report disclosed that Baldwin pulled the trigger since the .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt) caliber F.lli Pietta single-action revolver used in the shooting would need to be pulled before it could fire a bullet.
Baldwin was said to have requested a bigger gun to armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed via email. The affidavit from Detective Alexandria Hancock said that the armorer showed him a colt with a brown handle and a cherry handle. In the end, he chose the handgun with a brown handle.
The actor has continuously defended himself and said that he never pulled the trigger. In light of the incident, he begged to limit the use of firearms on series and movies sets.
READ MORE: Lindsey Pearlman Shocking Cause of Death Determined Months After Passing: Was Foul Play Involved?
