Alec Baldwin received support from SAG-AFTRA after being charged with involuntary manslaughter last month. This relates to the Rust shooting tragedy of October 2021, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot after a prop revolver that the lead actor and producer was holding discharged on the set of the film at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico. Director Joel Souza was also injured.
Baldwin was initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter last year, in January. The second charge was dropped, and he pleaded not guilty a month later. The initial case and charge against the actor were dismissed in April 2023. This year, a New Mexico grand jury indicted Baldwin anew for involuntary manslaughter, thus effectively restarting the case against him.
Amid these developments, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was the film’s weapons specialist/handler, is heading to trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. It is reportedly expected to last about two weeks.
SAG-AFTRA Voiced Support For Alec Baldwin After The Actor’s Indictment
SAG-AFTRA affirmed their support for Rust alum Alec Baldwin, 65, last month after a grand jury in New Mexico indicted him on an involuntary manslaughter charge related to the tragic shooting of Halyna Hutchins in October 2021. The American labor union released a statement defending Baldwin against the new charges. Following is a portion of what it said of the charges filed on January 19th, 2024:
“To the extent that the charges filed on January 19 are based on an accusation of negligent use of a firearm predicated on this or any actor having a duty to inspect a firearm as part of its use, that is an incorrect assessment of the actual duties of an actor on set.”
The union further argued in the press release:
“An actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert. Firearms are provided for use on set under the guidance of multiple expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm.”
Mentioning the Industry Standards regarding safety with firearms, SAG-AFTRA noted, “The guidelines require an experienced, qualified armorer to be put in charge of all handling, use, and safekeeping of firearms on set.”
In the statement, they emphasized that these guidelines do not require the performer to examine any firearm, nor does it make it their responsibility to. “Performers train to perform, and they are not required or expected to be experts on guns or experienced in their use,” the union said. The press release further affirmed that such responsibilities are industry-assigned to qualified specialists who oversee the usage and handling of firearms in every context.
It ultimately concluded:
“Anyone issued a firearm on set must be given training and guidance in its safe handling and use, but all activity with firearms on a set must be under the careful supervision and control of the professional armorer and the employer.”
Previously, in the aftermath of the fatal tragedy, Alec Baldwin maintained (via ABC News) that he didn’t pull the trigger of the gun that was being used as a prop on the Rust set. “I would never point a gun at anyone and pull a trigger at them—never,” the actor had asserted in the 2021 interview with George Stephanopoulos.
Following Alec Baldwin’s recent indictment, his trial reportedly begins this summer.
Rust Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Moves To Trial
The responsibility of overseeing all weapons, including their maintenance, storage, and use, on set fell on the shoulders of Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Following the incident’s aftermath, she was charged with involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering. Gutierrez-Reed pled not guilty, and her criminal trial, which began on February 21, is slated to last through March 6.
According to sources, Rust marked Gutierrez-Reed’s second film as the lead armorer.
A report from AP further suggests that prosecutors intend to present evidence that Gutierrez-Reed loaded a live round into the firearm that killed cinematographer Hutchins after ‘unknowingly bringing live ammunition onto a set’ which is strictly forbidden, thus meaning to prove her negligence.
Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys affirmed that the weapons specialist is being used as a scapegoat and that these charges are an attempt to smear her character.
Twelve jurors and four alternates from the Santa Fe area have reportedly been sworn in for the trial.
If convicted, Gutierrez-Reed may face 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, along with the evidence and testimony presented there, will have ramifications for Alec Baldwin’s case, with his trial date yet to be established. The Rust tragedy remains one of the most harrowing chapters in film history and has put to question the safety protocols and standards followed in Hollywood.
