Alec Baldwin lawyer calls charges ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’

Alec Baldwin’s lawyer released a statement Thursday calling the decision to charge the actor a “terrible miscarriage of justice.”

Prosecutors announced Thursday that Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer who was killed on a New Mexico movie set. Halyna Hutchins died shortly after being shot during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021.

Luke Nikas, and attorney for Baldwin, released the following statement:

“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice. 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. We will fight these charges, and we will win.”

Meanwhile, Brian Panish, who represents the Hutchins family, released a statement, saying the family supports the charges.

“It is comfort for the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law.”

Hutchins, a cinematographer, died shortly after being wounded by a gunshot during setup for a scene at the ranch. Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who led the initial investigation into Hutchins’ death, described “a degree of neglect” on the film set.

The film’s armorer overseeing weapons, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, will also be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the incident, according to a statement from Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.

The film’s first assistant director, David Halls, has agreed to plead guilty to the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.