A New Mexico judge has ordered the financial terms of actor Alec Baldwin's settlement with the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins to be sealed from the public. This legal development coincides with the release of a crucial FBI forensics report on the firearm involved in the tragic 2021 shooting on the set of the film "Rust."
FBI Findings on the Firearm
The newly disclosed federal analysis provides significant technical details about the incident. FBI testing concluded that the .45 caliber revolver handled by Baldwin could not be made to fire without pulling the trigger while the hammer was in the cocked position. This finding addresses a key question in the investigation into how a live round was discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Forensic examiners attempted to discharge the weapon through other means, such as striking the hammer with a mallet while it was in the uncocked position. However, the report states these methods were unsuccessful. The gun only fired when the trigger was pulled, either by hand or by a mechanical pull from a testing device, with the hammer fully cocked.
Legal Proceedings and Sealed Settlement
The order to seal the settlement details was issued by the judge overseeing the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchins' family against Baldwin and other producers of "Rust." While the monetary agreement remains confidential, the resolution of the civil suit allowed filming of the movie to resume in Montana last year, with the involvement of Hutchins' widower, Matthew, as an executive producer.
Separately, Baldwin still faces involuntary manslaughter charges at the state level in New Mexico. He has pleaded not guilty, and his legal team has previously suggested the weapon may have malfunctioned. The FBI's forensic report is expected to be a central piece of evidence in the upcoming criminal trial.
Ongoing Impact and Industry Scrutiny
The fatal shooting sent shockwaves through the film industry, leading to widespread calls for stricter safety protocols on sets, particularly concerning the use of firearms. The incident highlighted systemic failures, as an earlier investigation found that management on the "Rust" set ignored complaints about safety issues and that live ammunition was present despite being strictly prohibited.
The release of the FBI's technical findings adds a concrete data point to the complex legal and ethical reckoning following the tragedy. As both the criminal case against Baldwin and the broader conversation about set safety continue, the sealed civil settlement marks one chapter's conclusion while many questions remain unresolved for those affected and for the industry at large.
