'I don’t understand this': Internet divided as Alec Baldwin indicted with charge of involuntary manslaughter in Halyna Hutchins killing

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Alec Baldwin has been formally indicted by a grand jury in the fatal shooting of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Special prosecutors Jason Lewis and Kari T Morrisey announced on Friday, January 18 that the actor has been criminally charged with involuntary manslaughter again, according to People.

How many years will Alec Baldwin face in jail, if convicted?

In 2023, the 65-year-old actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter. However, the charges were dropped three months later.

If convicted of the fourth-degree felony charged now, he could face up to 18 months in prison.

In a statement to ET, Baldwin's attorneys Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas said, "We look forward to our day in court."

In October 2023, the special prosecutors announced their intention to present the controversial case to a Santa Fe grand jury, arguing that there was probable cause to criminally charge Baldwin.

The decision to indict the 'Yellowstone' actor comes after an extensive probe that special prosecutors say yielded "additional facts" that showed the actor "has criminal culpability in the death of Halyna Hutchins and the shooting of [Rust director] Joel Souza."

What happened to Halyna Hutchins during the filming of 'Rust'?

On October 21, 2021, Hutchin was fatally shot at the Bonanza Creek Ranch on the set of 'Rust' when Baldwin reportedly fired a prop gun at her during a rehearsal scene. 

According to authorities, the cinematographer was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

Hutchins was declared dead by medical personnel at the facility.

At the time, the charges were filed against Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armorer by Mary Carmack-Altwies.

Throughout the investigation, Baldwin has consistently maintained innocence, asserting that he did not pull the trigger on the prop gun.

While Baldwin initially faced two counts of involuntary manslaughter charges indicted by the Santa Fe district attorney which was later dropped, the actor's lawyer Luke Nikas expressed his disapproval of the charges.

"This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice," Nikas stated at the time.

"Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun — or anywhere on the movie set."

"He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds," he added.

The disgraced actor shot the crew member using a prop gun aimed at Hutchin but the gun was loaded with a real bullet.

Internet says Alec Baldwin's indictment is 'not surprising'

As Baldwin is criminally charged again, netizens expressed they are not surprised by the indictment.

"Not surprising. His actions were clearly reckless in the handling of a firearm. He even violated industry safety protocols," a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"For those claiming justice is served… this is only a step. He can still plea out, go to trial and continue to play the games he has," a user opined, adding "I do pray for justice but it might be many months away and we might see him continue to pull his celeb card to get away with it as he has to date."

However, a few users expressed support for Baldwin as they called the incident "an accident."

"I don’t understand this. The shooting was obviously an accident. This seems baseless," a user remarked while another wrote, "This is ridiculous. It wasn't his fault at all."

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