Alec Baldwin speaks out after dodging 'Rust' shooting charges, netizens say they knew he'd 'get away'

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Alec Baldwin broke his silence following the dramatic dismissal of his involuntary manslaughter trial related to the fatal 'Rust' shooting case.

On Friday, July 12, Judge Mary Marlow Sommer of Santa Fe's First Judicial District Court of New Mexico dismissed the charges against the actor in the case with prejudice on its third day, according to TMZ.

Alec Baldwin thanks supporters after dismissal of charges in 'Rust' shooting case

Alec Baldwin took to Instagram on July 13 to share his feelings about the resolution of the years-long legal ordeal.

Posting an image of himself inside the courtroom during the trial, the 66-year-old actor wrote, "There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now."

"To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family," he added.

Alec Baldwin's indictment and 'Rust' shooting incident

In January, Alec Baldwin was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury after the gun he held during a rehearsal on the set of 'Rust' movie in 2021 discharged and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and also injured director Joel Souza.

Since the incident, the actor has consistently maintained that he did not pull the trigger of the gun and was unaware that it was loaded.

Baldwin pleaded not guilty and faced a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison if sentenced. His legal team repeatedly requested the dismissal of the case.

On July 12, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey took the unusual step of testifying about the possible suppression of relevant evidence in the case.

Alec Baldwin burst into tears after Santa Fe judge dismissed his manslaughter charges

During the trial, Judge Mary Marlow Sommer cited "the late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings.”

Baldwin appeared to burst into tears upon hearing the decision.

Throughout the three-day trial, the actor was supported by his wife Hilaria Baldwin, sister Beth Keuchler, and brother Stephen Baldwin.

Despite the legal challenges, filming of the Western movie 'Rust' resumed and was completed in May 2023.

Celebrating the completion of its shooting, Baldwin posted an image of the last day on set and wrote, “It’s been a long and difficult road. But we reach the end of the trail today.”

Internet doubles down on Alec Baldwin's reaction to dismissal of 'Rust' shooting charges

As Alec Baldwin broke his silence over the dismissal of his involuntary charges in the 'Rust' shooting case, netizens elicited varied reactions.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "He should have never been charged in the first place. Good for him!" while another user tweeted, "I knew the slimy b*****d would get away with."

"I don't like Alec Baldwin, but this feels right. I haven't seen any evidence this was anything but an accident. The family will get paid, and, hopefully, actors will handle guns, even prop guns, more carefully on sets from now on," a netizen commented.

"Had this been any of us, we'd be on jail," a user tweeted while another user wrote, "Good call by the court. I don’t like Mr. Baldwin, but I love that the law is working in a few places even still."

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