Alec Baldwin’s criminal charges have been dropped for the fatal shooting on the set of Rust

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The manslaughter charges brought by Alec Baldwin over the fatal shooting on the set of his movie “Rust” have been dropped, but prosecutors said the charges could still be refiled after further investigation, the actor’s attorney said.

“This decision does not absolve Baldwin of the criminal charge,” New Mexico prosecutors said in a statement and noted that the evidence “existing” from the police was insufficient to proceed.

Cinematographer Helena Hutchins, 42, was killed and director Joel Souza, 49, injured in October 2021 when a gun Baldwin was using during a training for Westerns in the New Mexico desert fired a gun.

Baldwin, 65, was charged with manslaughter in the January shooting and could have faced up to 18 months in prison if convicted. The charges were dropped on Thursday.

“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident,” said Baldwin’s attorneys, Luke Nicas and Alex Spiro.

The actor was accused of showing “reckless” disregard for safety in Mrs. Hutchins’ death. The actor and Hana Gutierrez Reid, the weapons supervisor for the film, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting.

In a statement shared with the PA News Agency, New Mexico prosecutors said they were unable to pursue the case due to time constraints, facts and evidence presented by law enforcement “in its current form.”

“We will therefore be dismissing the manslaughter charges against Mr. Baldwin for further investigation,” the statement read.

“This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal charge and charges may be reinstated. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and ongoing.”

The charges against Hana Gutierrez Reed, the maker of Rust’s weapons, have not changed, the statement said.

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