Alec Baldwin issues first statement since ‘Rust’ charges shockingly tossed: ‘I appreciate your kindness’
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 12:30 p.m. alongside a photo of himself in the Santa Fe courtroom.
“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 Oct. 21, 2021, when a prop gun Baldwin was handling fired, striking her and director Joel Souza.
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 defense.
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 attorney 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.”
Allred previously read victim impact statements from Hutchins’ heartbroken family during the sentencing of on-set armorer 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 attorney 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.
An attorney 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 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.
