Criminal charges against actor Alec Baldwin from the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his Western movie “Rust” have been dropped, his lawyers said Thursday.

“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” according to a joint statement by Mr. Baldwin’s lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, as reported by NBC.

Prosecutors in New Mexico, where the charges were filed, did not immediately comment. The case was expected to come to trial soon.

Hutchins, 42, was shot and killed on Oct. 21, 2021, during filming at the location in New Mexico. Mr. Baldwin has said he didn’t pull the trigger and didn’t know the gun was loaded with live rounds.

Director Joel Souza was wounded in the on-set shooting.

• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.