In 2021, we received the terrible news that actor Alec Baldwin had accidentally killed Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography when he fired a prop gun on the set of the movie “Rust” in New Mexico. The incident made headlines worldwide and left everyone stunned, raising the biggest question: Who was responsible for ensuring the prop gun was clean? Or worse, who loaded the gun and for what purpose? Unfortunately, we still don’t have that answer as authorities, instead of addressing these questions, have kept the case open for months, sparking debate on whether an actor can be held accountable for firearms on set.
What’s Happening With Alec Baldwin?
Alec Baldwin was charged with homicide again on January 19, 2024, despite the removal of the accusation in 2023. After months of investigation, we’ve seen how other Hollywood figures have shown their support for the actor.
Not sure about this. I’ve been handed a gun so many times on set and could only trust when they said the rounds weren’t live. How would I know? As a producer, maybe he’s responsible, but as an actor pulling the trigger, it could have been any of us.
— DJ Qualls (@TheOnlyDJQualls) January 19, 2023
SAG-AFTRA came to Baldwin’s defense, stating that it’s not an actor’s duty to be an expert in firearms. The accusations against Alec are that he was supposed to inspect the gun as part of its usage, which the union rejected.
Anyone NOT in the industry or who has not worked on a set should STFU – you’re showing your ignorance.
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The grandstanding prosecutor doesn’t even go after the true culprit: Who put a live round in the gun?
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There is NO investigation about that. THAT is the question.— Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) January 20, 2023
“The job of an actor is not to be an expert in firearms. Firearms are provided for use on set under the guidance of multiple professional experts who are directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm,” added the union.
Alec pleaded not guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge in January. The armorer on set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has just been convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
