The high-profile trial of actor Alec Baldwin, charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," commenced on Tuesday with the jury selection process in a New Mexico courthouse.

With potential consequences of up to 18 months in prison if convicted, Baldwin's trial is closely watched by the public and the media. The selection of the jury began on Tuesday, July 9, with opening arguments scheduled for Wednesday, July 10. The trial is expected to last several days, with closing arguments set to begin on Friday, July 19.

In a legal victory for Baldwin, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled on Monday that prosecutors would not be allowed to introduce evidence of the actor's status as a producer on the film "Rust." This decision narrows the focus of the trial to the specific charges against Baldwin and the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

On Tuesday, the jury for Baldwin's trial was chosen by special prosecutors and the actor's legal team. After a brief delay in the morning, the jury selection process commenced, resulting in a panel of 16 jurors, including four alternates. Out of the chosen jurors, 11 are women and five are men.

The incident occurred on October 21, 2021, when a gun Baldwin was holding inadvertently fired, causing the death of Halyna Hutchins in a small church on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set. Baldwin has been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter, and if found guilty, he could face a sentence of up to 18 months in prison.

The jury has been instructed not to speak to the media and is expected to report to the courthouse at 8:30 am local time for the duration of the trial. On Wednesday, the prosecution and Baldwin's legal team will present their opening statements. Special prosecutors will then spend the following days laying out their case against the actor.

The trial has captivated public attention, shedding light on the safety procedures and protocols surrounding the use of firearms on film sets. As proceedings commence, all eyes are now on the courtroom, awaiting the outcome of this closely-watched trial that has raised important questions about responsibility and accountability in the entertainment industry.