Alec Baldwin denied culpability for a fatal gunshot on the set of his Western film "Rust" on Thursday, claiming he would have committed suicide if he believed it was his fault.
The actor stated in an emotional television interview that he did not pull the trigger on the gun he was holding during a practice and did not believe he would face criminal charges in the case.
"I have a sense that someone is accountable for what occurred, but I am certain it is not me," Baldwin told ABC television's George Stephanopoulos. "I might have killed myself if I believed I was responsible, and I don't say that lightly."
Baldwin made his first public comments about the Oct. 21 shooting on the set outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer, was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded when the gun discharged a live bullet.
The incident, including how live ammo ended up on the set, is still under investigation by New Mexico officials. There have been no criminal charges brought.
Baldwin had been informed by crew members in charge of weapon inspection that the pistol was "safe."
"I've been assured by knowledgeable individuals... that it is exceedingly improbable that I would face criminal charges," Baldwin stated.
Baldwin stated that he "would never point a gun at another person and pull the trigger."
In his first public account of the incident, he stated that the Colt revolver discharged as he was cocking the weapon and practicing camera angles with Hutchins.
Baldwin stated that he initially believed Hutchins had passed out and was not informed of her death until hours later. He stated that he "couldn't see" ever directing another film using guns.
Baldwin stated that he had no idea how live ammunition made its way into the firearm or onto the set. "Someone loaded a gun with a live bullet, a bullet that was not allowed to be on the premises," he explained.
The actor, best known for his work on the television comedy series "30 Rock," has come under fire for failing to thoroughly check the gun himself. However, he stressed during the interview that this was not the actor's responsibility.
Two civil lawsuits have been filed against the production, one by Mamie Mitchell, the screenplay supervisor, and another by Serge Svetnoy, the chief lighting technician.
Baldwin is mentioned in both lawsuits, as he was also a producer on the film.
Additional lawsuits are anticipated.
