Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

2021 was a year of tragedy for the western movie titled ‘Rust’. The film has a budget of around $6-7 million and does not quite have a release date yet. Many claims that it could have had a date if it wasn’t for the fateful events that occurred in 2021. The film is being directed by Joel Souza who also co-wrote it. Apart from him, one of the lead actors Alec Baldwin also co-wrote and co-produced the film. Headlines blew up when the accidental and yet fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film in New Mexico. Now Baldwin faces serious charges.

Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

Both Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are being prosecuted for the accidental shooting. Baldwin is being accused of reckless actions like not taking enough firearms training and being busy on his phone during the brief firearm training on set. Both Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are being accused of not maintaining safety standards and proper precautions on the set which ultimately led to the unfortunate demise of Halyna Hutchins.

Death was not quick for Hutchins as she was initially fatally injured and later on died at the ranch where the film was being shot in Santa Fe. Baldwin was asked to point the gun at the camera but claims that he only cocked the hammer and never actually pulled the trigger of the weapon. He denies all responsibility claiming that real live ammunition and unchecked firearm props should never be brought to a functioning set in the first place. The shot also wounded director Joel Souza, however, he survived his injuries.

Statements Against Baldwin

Prosecutors have taken into account the words of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed who said that Baldwin’s firearms training was ‘very limited’. Prosecutors accused Alec of being negligent and unwary of safety protocols as a producer. The decision that led to the hiring of Reed was also questioned as she was considered ‘inexperienced and unqualified’ to be the one handling the firearms and similar props on the set. Despite the accusations, both maintain their innocence in the case.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, maintain that Baldwin should have mindfully used a replica of a gun and not an actual one especially since the shooting took place during the rehearsal of a scene and not actual filming. Furthermore, other cases of negligence with firearms by the props master and crew were also noted before the shooting occurred. Such instances should have brought forth a strong reaction but clearly, they did not. All of the evidence provided by prosecutors holds Baldwin and Reed responsible for their actions.

The death of Hutchins was a disaster that occurred due to the lack of responsible conduct and expertise. It points to a lack of professionalism and sensitivity to the life of fellow crew members. It is a tragedy that Hutchins will have to serve as an example of the reckless actions of those you work with. Hopefully, justice will be served in this case soon.