![Testimony from Production Manager on Gun Safety Measures Before Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ Shooting Incident 2 urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F8c2F072F15f9f76708b60a597e2bbe44326b2F585060ab673d4eb8954cd9cdb2cd5695](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F8c2F072F15f9f76708b60a597e2bbe44326b2F585060ab673d4eb8954cd9cdb2cd5695.jpeg?w=1170)
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, details emerged regarding the firearm safety procedures on the set of the Western film “Rust” ahead of the accidental shooting by actor Alec Baldwin that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident, which also injured director Joel Souza, occurred during a rehearsal on October 21, 2021.
The ongoing trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie’s armorer, accused of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence, entered its fifth day with crucial insights from a film-set manager. The testimony on Wednesday highlighted the actions taken to enhance gun safety on set and revealed partial knowledge of misfires occurring prior to the tragic event.
Gutierrez-Reed has maintained a stance of not guilty. The defense, led by attorney Jason Bowles, emphasized disparities in post-incident treatment between Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
Baldwin, serving as lead actor and co-producer, is also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, with his trial set for July. He has put forth a plea of not guilty.
Insights from Gabrielle Pickle, responsible for crew hiring and oversight of firearms safety investments, were shared. In response to advocacy by Gutierrez-Reed for additional resources to manage weapons safely, the number of days allocated for an armorer on the set was doubled.
As per Pickle, although there were efforts to reduce administrative burdens on Gutierrez-Reed, the problem of live ammunition found on set persisted. She stressed having addressed complaints about unattended firearms and having worked towards better supervision of gun handling.
Gutierrez-Reed has previously expressed concerns over Baldwin’s handgun proficiency. Video evidence from her 2021 interview with investigators was presented to the jury, though she has yet to testify in the current trial. Pickle mentioned a denied request where Gutierrez-Reed sought more training time for Baldwin and a child actor.
Baldwin’s account has been that he cocked the hammer of the gun but did not pull the trigger when it accidentally fired, killing Hutchins.
New Mexico’s workplace safety regulators have indicated that production managers made insufficient efforts to rectify two misfires before the fatal incident. Pickle admitted she was made aware of one incident, but the other was not reported to her until after Hutchins’ shooting.
According to the defense, Gutierrez-Reed’s capacity to enforce safety measures was impeded by broader issues on set, while the prosecution asserts her responsibility in adhering to stringent safety protocols.
FAQ Section
What charges are being faced by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed?
Gutierrez-Reed faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering in relation to the shooting on the set of “Rust.”
Has Alec Baldwin entered a plea for his charges?
Yes, Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter.
What safety measures were taken on the set of “Rust” related to guns?
The number of days with a dedicated weapons supervisor on set was increased, and administrative duties for the armorer were restructured to focus more on firearm safety.
Was Alec Baldwin properly trained in weapons handling for the film?
Gutierrez-Reed had expressed concerns about Baldwin’s proficiency with firearms and there was a desire for further training, though it’s not clear if sufficient training was provided.
What was the outcome of previous misfires on set before the fatal shooting?
According to testimony, although one misfire was reported, another was not reported to the production manager until after the fatal shooting occurred.
Conclusion
The shooting incident on the set of “Rust” has raised significant concerns about firearm safety practices in film production. Testimonies in the ongoing trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed highlight the complexity of safety oversight on set and the responsibilities of those involved in managing real guns and ammunition. As the legal proceedings continue, increased attention is being given to protocols that ensure the safety of all crew members during the handling of firearms on film sets.