Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial for the fatal 'Rust' shooting began in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with the actor pleading not guilty and facing up to 18 months in prison if convicted.

The actor is on trial following the October 2021 shooting on the 'Rust' set that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. The prosecution claims Baldwin displayed reckless disregard for gun safety, while the defense insists he adhered to industry protocols. The case has garnered widespread media attention, with the trial being livestreamed and notable family support in the courtroom. Amidst high-stakes arguments and graphic evidence presentations, the trial's outcome hinges on whether Baldwin’s actions constitute criminal negligence.

The jury selection for the trial was completed on Tuesday, setting the stage for an estimated 8-10 days of proceedings, not including jury deliberations. The trial's high-profile nature has drawn significant media attention, with live coverage provided by Court TV and the Law & Crime Network. This attention is amplified by the presence of Baldwin's wife, Hilaria Baldwin, and brother, Stephen Baldwin, in the courtroom offering their support.

The criminal charges stem from an incident on October 21, 2021, when a gun Alec Baldwin was holding discharged during a rehearsal on the 'Rust' set. The discharge killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who has consistently claimed he did not pull the trigger, argues the firearm malfunctioned. Baldwin has since pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

The prosecution and defense are presenting starkly different narratives. Prosecutors depict Baldwin as someone who repeatedly neglected safety protocols. They cite his alleged reckless behavior and moments of 'playing make-believe' with a real gun. Special prosecutors intend to further this portrayal by highlighting that several live rounds were found on the 'Rust' set, a fact corroborated by crime scene technicians during testimony.

In their opening arguments, the prosecution presented graphic bodycam footage of the aftermath of the shooting and the medical efforts to save Hutchins' life. They stressed that Baldwin's disregard for gun safety was a critical factor that led to the tragic incident. The footage was intended to provide the jury with a visceral understanding of the incident’s immediate impact.

The defense, however, maintains that Baldwin adhered to industry standards and protocols, and that the fault lies with the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, and assistant director, David Halls. They argue that Baldwin acted as any actor would, relying on the armorer and assistant director to ensure that the firearm was safe. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison, while David Halls received six months of probation for his role in not properly checking the firearm.

Baldwin’s legal team successfully argued that his role as a producer should not influence the trial. The judge ruled in favor of this motion, ensuring that the jury would only consider Baldwin's actions as an actor. This decision limits the scope of the trial and focuses exclusively on Baldwin's role on set during the incident.

The tragic incident has led to discussions about safety standards in the film industry, particularly concerning the use of firearms on set. Several witnesses have testified about the presence of live rounds on the 'Rust' set, raising questions about how and why such rounds were available during filming. The defense has pointed to these lapses in safety as evidence that Baldwin, as an actor, could not have reasonably been expected to prevent the tragedy.

If convicted, Baldwin faces a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of $5,000. The trial's outcome will hinge on whether the jury is convinced that Baldwin's actions amounted to criminal negligence. Given the complexity and high-profile nature of the case, the proceedings are being closely watched by both the media and the public.

Throughout the trial, Baldwin’s demeanor and reactions have been under scrutiny. His legal team has worked to emphasize his adherence to industry norms and the expectations placed on actors regarding safety. Conversely, the prosecution’s focus remains on Baldwin's specific actions and decisions leading up to the shooting.

The trial continues, with both sides presenting evidence and calling witnesses. The jury’s deliberation will ultimately determine whether Baldwin's conduct constitutes involuntary manslaughter. As the proceedings unfold, the world watches to see how this tragic chapter will conclude for all parties involved.