US actor Alec Baldwin on Friday accused prosecutors who charged him in the deadly 2021 set shooting of making a “fundamental error of law” against him because of an aggravating circumstance.
• Also read: Fatal shooting of Alec Baldwin on set: victim’s parents attack in plain clothes
• Also read: Alec Baldwin officially charged with manslaughter
On October 21, 2021, that New Mexico ranch shooting had turned tragic when Mr. Baldwin activated a gun that was supposed to contain only blanks, but whose very real projectile killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injured director Joel souza
This rare news had shocked Hollywood and had a powerful impact, sparking calls for firearms to be banned on sets where the presence of live ammunition is already theoretically banned.
Alec Baldwin faces manslaughter charges in New Mexico and faces an 18-month prison sentence, as does the film’s gunsmith
. The actor is notably the target of an aggravating circumstance involving his use of a firearm, which puts him at risk of up to five years in prison.
But in a Friday court document, Mr. Baldwin’s attorneys believe the aggravating circumstance cited by prosecutors was not in New Mexico law as such at the time of the events and should therefore be dropped.
Hannah Gutierrez Reed | Voices of the West/Facebook
Lawyers for Ms Gutierrez-Reed have said they will soon file a similar motion, according to Variety. A hearing for both is scheduled for February 24.
Alec Baldwin is also the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by the victim’s Ukrainian parents and sister, the family attorney said Thursday.
Mr Baldwin, 64, best known for his role on the series 30 Rock, has always maintained his innocence. He was assured his gun was harmless and denied pulling the trigger. A claim questioned by many experts.