Baldwin is held responsible for the “Rust” shooting in a move to defend the armorer
In the opening statements of the trial concerning the fatal shooting on the set of the Western film “Rust,” lawyers directed blame towards Alec Baldwin, the lead actor and producer of the movie. The defense, while defending the movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, refuted allegations of her negligence, attributing responsibility to Baldwin for the tragic incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The courtroom drama unfolded as details of the 2021 rehearsal in New Mexico emerged, where Hutchins tragically lost her life after being struck by a live round discharged from a gun held by Baldwin. Despite Baldwin’s assertions of innocence and his plea of not guilty in his own impending manslaughter trial, his role as a central figure on the set was emphasized by Gutierrez’s defense team.
Jason Bowles, representing Gutierrez, underscored Baldwin’s significant influence on the set as a lead producer and actor, alleging that he flouted fundamental gun safety principles. Bowles contended that Baldwin’s actions, rather than any negligence on Gutierrez’s part, were the primary contributing factors to the fatal incident.
Contrary to the defense’s assertions, the prosecution depicted Gutierrez as consistently exhibiting unprofessional behavior and negligence in her duties as the armorer. Prosecutor Jason Lewis outlined instances where Gutierrez purportedly failed to adequately inspect Baldwin’s firearm, neglected safety protocols, and irresponsibly handled firearms and ammunition on set.
The prosecution further highlighted the discovery of real bullets intermingled with fake rounds on a prop cart and tucked into holsters used by actors, including Baldwin, underscoring Gutierrez’s alleged disregard for safety measures. Lewis emphasized the gravity of Gutierrez’s role, emphasizing that adherence to safety protocols was not optional, as people’s lives depended on her meticulous execution of her duties.
As the trial unfolds, the courtroom proceedings shed light on the complex dynamics and responsibilities on a movie set, delving into the intricate interplay between actors, producers, and crew members, and scrutinizing the protocols and practices surrounding firearm safety in the film industry.
Entertainment News: Baldwin is held responsible for the “Rust” shooting in a move to defend the armorer
