Involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin dropped, ‘Rust’ filming to resume Friday

Criminal charges will be dropped against actor Alec Baldwin in connection to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, according to Baldwin’s legal team.

“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,” reads a statement from lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro to the Daily News.

The 65-year-old actor was accused of involuntary manslaughter in January following the October 2021 killing of Hutchins, who was shot while filming the western “Rust” in New Mexico.

A live round fired from a gun held by Baldwin landed in the 42-year-old filmmaker’s chest. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged.

The case against Baldwin was slated to head to a courtroom early next month. If convicted, he could have spent up to 18 months behind bars.

The actor, who is also a producer on “Rust,” claimed he was handed a pistol he’d been assured was not loaded to rehearse the scene that left Hutchins dead and director Joel Souza injured. The Santa Fe, N.M., district attorney’s office has not confirmed Baldwin’s exoneration.

Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys believe their client will also be cleared.

“The new special prosecutor team has taken a very diligent and thorough approach to the entire investigation, which we welcome and have always welcomed,” reads a statement from lawyers Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion. “We fully expect at the end of this process that Hannah will also be exonerated.”

Principal photography on “Rust” is scheduled to resume Friday, a source familiar with the production told the Daily News. The Associated Press reports production will now take place at Montana’s Yellowstone Film Ranch after previously occurring at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe.

Producers announced in October they planned to resume production after settling a wrongful death lawsuit with Hutchins’ family. Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, will serve as the film’s executive producer. Cinematographer Bianca Cline will pick up where Hutchins left off.

A “Rust” spokesman said no “working weapons [or] any form of ammunition” will be allowed on the set.