"Alec Baldwin Urges Swift Start to 'Rust' Manslaughter Trial Amid SAG-AFTRA Support"
Alec Baldwin has petitioned for his manslaughter trial to begin sooner rather than later in an effort to minimize public vilification, following his indictment for a second time over the 'Rust' movie set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. His attorneys argue that a speedy trial would help avoid public suspicion and hazards of proving his innocence after a lengthy delay. Baldwin maintains that he was handed a prop gun loaded with blanks and never pulled the trigger, while prosecutors argue he should have personally checked the gun for live ammunition. His wife, Hilaria, has been seen trying to distract attention from him in public, and he has enlisted high-profile attorney Alex Spiro to fight the charges. If convicted, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison.