Alec Baldwin issues emotional statement after Rust charges dropped

The actor broke his silence after a judge threw out the involuntary manslaughter case against him over the fatal shooting of a cinematographer.

Alec Baldwin broke his silence on a New Mexico judge’s stunning decision to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter case against him over the fatal shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday.

“There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now,” the actor, 66, wrote around 12.30pm, local time, alongside a photo of himself in the Santa Fe courtroom, reports the New York Post.

“To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family,” the father of eight added.

Several A-listers immediately commented their support for the 30 Rock alum, including former CNN host Don Lemon, comedian Amy Sedaris and Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins.

“We love you,” wrote Sedaris, who guest starred on 30 Rock in 2012.

Hutchins, 42, was killed on October 21, 2021, when a prop gun Baldwin was handling fired, striking her and director Joel Souza.

The case against Baldwin was dropped. Picture: Ramsay De Give/Pool/AFP

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled on Friday that the charges against Baldwin related to Hutchins’ death should be dropped due to indications that the prosecution withheld crucial ammunition evidence from the defence.

The court also determined that Baldwin could not be recharged in the case — effectively ending the criminal proceedings against him.

During a press conference outside the courthouse Saturday, powerhouse lawyer Gloria Allred — who represents Hutchins’ parents and sister — reminded the public that Baldwin is still subject to civil litigation over the tragedy.

“We’ll fight to the end,” Allred insisted, according to CNN. “We’re gonna fight to the end for Halyna Hutchins.”

The actor hugged his lawyer as the case wrapped up. Picture: Ramsay de Give-Pool/Getty Images

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Picture: Instagram

Allred previously read victim impact statements from Hutchins’ heartbroken family during the sentencing of on-set armourer Hannah Gutteriez-Reed, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year.

“[Halyna’s father] said that he would like to see everyone who may be responsible for the death of Halyna have to face the consequences,” Allred told KOAT7 earlier this week, as proceedings against Baldwin got underway.

The lawyer also expressed relief that her clients were not in court to see the gut-wrenching footage of the moments after the shooting, when medics raced — but ultimately failed — to save the cinematographer’s life.

A lawyer for her widower, Matthew Hutchins, previously said that the grieving husband respected the court’s decision, but hoped to see Baldwin back in court for a civil judgment.

Baldwin, meanwhile, looked relieved outside a Santa Fe restaurant on Friday evening.

The smiling Saturday Night Live regular traded his court suit for a more casual black T-shirt and blue, smiling as he and his entourage — including his brother Stephen — grabbed a bite to eat.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.