'Guilty as sin': Internet erupts as Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to new charges in 'Rust' shooting case

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin entered a new plea of not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in relation to the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the sets of 'Rust'.

According to New Mexico court records obtained by USA Today, Baldwin, 65, submitted his plea on Wednesday, January 31, waiving his right to an arraignment. He filed the paperwork in Santa Fe County court the day before his scheduled arraignment.

Baldwin entered the recent plea less than two weeks after being indicted on January 19 by a grand jury in New Mexico for the 2021 on-set shooting.

Hutchin, 42, was shot and killed on October 21, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch on the set of 'Rust.' It was stated that Baldwin had shot Hutchin with a prop gun during a rehearsal scene.

Though it was not a prop, the gun was real and ought to have been loaded with practice bullets.

Alec Baldwin was allowed to go free on his own recognizance

The court documents state that Baldwin was freed on his own recognizance.

Baldwin's release comes with restrictions, including not using drugs or alcohol, abstaining from all local, state, and federal laws, and not leaving the nation without a court's written consent.

He is permitted to speak with witnesses informally to promote 'Rust,' which has not yet been made available for general public viewing.

Baldwin is forbidden to talk to prospective witnesses about the 2021 incident or invite cast or crew members of 'Rust' to star in a related documentary.

In January 2023, the actor was accused of involuntary manslaughter; however, the prosecution action against him was postponed after the charges were withdrawn three months later.

Baldwin is now being charged with either involuntary manslaughter (without exercising appropriate caution or circumspection) or involuntary manslaughter (negligent use of a firearm), per PEOPLE.

According to New Mexico law, Baldwin may spend up to 18 months in jail if found guilty of this new offense.

Following his indictment on January 19, the actor's attorneys, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel, had previously stated, "We look forward to our day in court."

Alec Baldwin maintained not pulling the trigger during 'Rust' shooting

'Rust' actor and executive producer Baldwin insisted that he never pulled the trigger at Hutchins. The FBI, however, concluded that the revolver needed to have had the trigger pushed to fire.

The Santa Fe district attorney had previously charged the actor in January 2022 for a similar offense, per the New York Post.

He entered a not-guilty plea at that time as well, but the case eventually caved in, and the charges were withdrawn in April of that year after the court decided that further investigation on the gun that killed Hutchins was necessary.

The same offense has also been brought against 27-year-old 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who managed the weaponry on the filming location. She is awaiting trial after entering a not-guilty plea.

Internet erupts as Alec Baldwin enters not-guilty plea to new 'Rust' charges

Following the latest update on the 2021 'Rust' shooting case with Alec Baldwin pleading not guilty, Internet users took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their enragement with the decision.

One such infuriated X user wrote, "The FBI said that the gun was properly functioning. If part 18 was in the gun, it would have stuck at half-cock unless Alec's booger hook was on the bang switch. He's guilty as sin."

A second one said, "Predictable they are especially when it comes to involuntary manslaughter and when it has to do with the rich and famous, then again what else would they do but let their reputations fall, it is business as usual."

"This case is just insane. Guessing they have to go through the motions, although he clearly wasn't even close to trying to hurt anyone. Its a very sad situation though," noted a third one.

"Ridiculous - once a jury is schooled about how film sets work this nonsense must collapse," seethed another one.

Another one exclaimed, "Me? I think this was an incredible tragedy. Can't imagine. But for that gun and even semi's... its all about CHECKING THE GUN! With pointing the gun at her and pulling the trigger, even a blank wouldn't be appropriate, I'd think. Live round? Wow."

"I can't stand him. I hope he gets what he deserves," slammed one more.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.