‘Rust’ set shooting: Actor Alec Baldwin formally charged with involuntary manslaughter

Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed – who supervised weapons on the set of the Western Rust – have been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, according to court documents filed by prosecutors Tuesday. However, both the actor and the weapons specialist maintain their innocence and have vowed to fight the charges.

During rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on 21 October 2021, Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza.

The manslaughter charge includes two alternative standards and sanctions. While one version would require proof of negligence, the other is for reckless disregard of safety “without due caution and circumspection.” The first alternative is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. But the second one could result in a mandatory five years in prison. A jury may eventually decide which alternative to go for, prosecutors have mentioned.

Keep Reading

The charging document includes a number of “acts or omissions of recklessness” leading up to the deadly shooting, such as

  • Against industry standards, not using a plastic or replica gun for an unscheduled rehearsal
  • Against protocol, allowing the armourer to leave the movie set
  • Hiring the armourer without adequate certification
  • Not addressing safety complaints raised on set
  • Not receiving the firearm directly from the armourer

Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against people involved with the film, including Gutierrez-Reed, alleging they failed to check the gun carefully. The weapons specialist has said she has checked that the rounds she loaded in the prop gun were dummies before it was handed to Dave Halls, the film’s assistant director, who ultimately handed it to the actor and told him it was an unloaded gun.

Staff Writer

Politics, diplomatic developments and human stories are what keep me grounded and more aligned to bring the best news to all readers.

Recent Posts

Is AI Revolutionizing the Global Gaming Industry?

The current position for gaming all over the world is changing at an incredible pace and the AI is the… Read More

December 23, 2024

Trump vs. Panama: President Mulino Responds to US Threats Over Canal Control

Jose Raul Mulino the President of Panama strongly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's comments about taking back control of the… Read More

December 23, 2024

Louise Delos Reyes Says ‘Yes’! Actress Reveals Stunning Engagement in London

Louise Delos Reyes is officially engaged! The actress-turned-pastry chef said "yes" to her longtime boyfriend, Jino Brion during a dreamy… Read More

December 23, 2024

Can Ukraine Join NATO? Zelenskiy Pushes for Global Stability Through Alliance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that membership of Ukraine in NATO is "achievable" goal but this will require persistent effort… Read More

December 22, 2024

UAE-Funded Orphanage Opens in Ethiopia, Transforming Lives in Oromia

Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art orphanage in Oromia. This orphanage is built with the support… Read More

December 21, 2024

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Drone Strikes Cause Disruptions in Kazan, No Casualties

The airport in the Russian city of Kazan reopened on Saturday. This airport reopened on Saturday after a temporary closure… Read More

December 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More