Actor Alec Baldwin, Armorer Hannah Guiterrez Reed Formally Charged in ‘Rust’ Shooting

Simone January 31, 2023 News Leave a comment

Alec Baldwin has been formally charged in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting on the set of the movie “Rust.”

Sante Fe, NM, prosecutors say the actor was not properly trained to handle the weapon that ultimately killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Tuesday, Baldwin was hit with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was also charged with the same two counts. If convicted, “they will only be sentenced to one count,” according to the prosecutor. They face up to 18 months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.

‘Rust’ assistant director David Halls, was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon. However, he has pleaded no contest and has entered into a plea agreement that is pending approval, according to a media statement issued by the DA’s office.

In October 2021, Halyna Hutchins was killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun being held by Baldwin. The film’s director Joel Souza was also shot and injured.

In probable cause documents outlining the case, prosecutors said that Baldwin did not take firearm training on the movie set seriously.

“A training session for at least an hour or more in length was scheduled, but the actual training consisted of only approximately 30 minutes as according to (armorer Hannah Gutierrez) Reed, Baldwin was distracted and talking on his cell phone to his family during the training,” the document states.

They also say Gutierrez Reed did not do her due diligence to ensure set safety with the firearm.

“Gutierrez Reed was reckless in her responsibility to ensure set safety with the firearm. She failed to correct Baldwin from committing the dangerous and reckless safety violations by pointing the weapon at/towards people and by having his finger on the trigger,”