Remebering you're just reading a TMZ interpretation of an interpretation?
The TMZ report is about the ABC report, and they two are far from identical.
The TMZ report includes information NOT in the ABC report, and attempts to explain the technical function of the gun so badly that it is confusing drivel.
The TMZ report mentions (twice) that they do not know if the FBI tested the gun used in the shooting, or an identical model.
ABC gives all the information about the gun, except for the serial number, and I recall that the gun actually used was sent to the FBI for testing by the Santa Fe Sherrif.
The description of the testing seems reasonable and accurate, just what one would expect when testing to see if the gun could be accidently manipulated to go off. The FBI found that the hammer could not fall from any position without the trigger being pulled. In other words, the gun was in correct mechanical functioning condition.
Don't be misled by the statement about "only" firing the primer. Testing is always done with a primed case in place of LIVE ammunition. Its simply for safety. If the gun fires a primed case, it WOULD fire a live round.
SO, at this point, I would say Baldwin absolutely cocked the gun, aimed the gun, and pulled the trigger. He may not
remember pulling the trigger, and so believes he did not pull the trigger, but his memory and opinion do not trump FBI testing.
Could the FBI be wrong? They have made mistakes before, so someone might argue they did, this time, but really, the operation of a Colt type Single Action revolver is hardly cutting edge tech, having been well known since about 1873....its not rocket science or DNA lab tech stuff, its SIMPLE mechanics. What amazes me is that they managed to do it and issue a report in less than a full year.....