Alec Baldwin: Prosecutors file charges after shooting on film set

Actor and director Alec Baldwin is to be charged with manslaughter after being fatally shot while filming. This was announced by the competent prosecutor in New Mexico. After a “thorough examination” there is enough evidence to bring charges. Baldwin fired a fatal shot from a prop-only pistol while filming the film Rust.

In addition to Baldwin, two other members of the film crew are facing trial, including armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who loaded the gun. If convicted, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed each face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine each. A penalty awaits assistant director David Halls. However, he had already reached an agreement with the investigators and signed an agreement. He is accused of negligent use of a deadly weapon. He is to be sentenced to six months probation.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died while filming the low-budget western Rust in 2021. Baldwin wanted to rehearse a scene and operated a pistol, from which shots were fired. They hit Hutchins in the stomach and director Joel Souza in the shoulder. Investigations revealed that the gun was loaded with real bullets instead of blanks. Baldwin, who starred and directed the production, denied any blame. He claims he didn’t pull the trigger and the Colt accidentally went off.

Hutchins’ family filed a civil lawsuit against Baldwin in October 2022 – it was settled out of court. In November, the actor sued Gutierrez-Reed and Halls and other crew members. He accuses them of negligence. The weapons master does not see herself responsible for the incident. She was not called that day of shooting to inspect the gun. In addition, she knew nothing about the rehearsals. Gutierrez-Reed sees Baldwin as responsible, he should have ensured safe handling of the weapon.

Actors union defends Baldwin

After the criminal charges against Baldwin became known, an American actors’ association spoke out in his favour. The prosecution wrongly assumes that it is an actor’s job to control a firearm on set. It says in the public statement further: “Firearms are made available under the supervision of several experts who are responsible for their safe handling.” On the set, everyone must undergo training in the safe handling of a weapon, but “every use must also be monitored by a professional weapon master and the employer “.

<!–

–>

<!–

–>