Actor Alec Baldwin won’t have to wait until August to appear in a trial over the 2021 death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The “30 Rock” actor was holding a gun on the set of the Western film when it went off, injuring him and director Joel Souza. Hutchins later died from his injuries.
In January 2023, both Baldwin and shield Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Charges against Baldwin were later dropped without prejudice as the investigation continued.
Charges were refiled in January 2024; Baldwin entered a not guilty plea more than a week later.
‘Rust’ Hearing For Alec Baldwin Rescheduled As Armorer Trial Goes On
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The trial for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s “Rust” armor is now in its third day, with the prosecution presenting several witnesses to claim that the new armor was “unprofessional” on set. In addition to involuntary manslaughter, he also faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence after prosecutors alleged he transferred cocaine to another individual on the day of the shooting, hindering the police investigation.
On Friday, during the second day of the trial, the prosecution presented text messages from his phone that claimed he was high the night before the shooting. However, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer warned the prosecution in a pre-trial hearing to limit the reference to the defendant’s alleged drug use to focus on the death of Halyna Hutchins.
The prosecution was unlikely to unearth text messages from Alec Baldwin at his trial, although he turned over his phone for evidence when asked. On Monday, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer scheduled jury selection for Baldwin’s trial to take place on July 9, 2024. She estimated the trial would run from July 10 to July 19, 2024.
Baldwin Has Denied Pulling the Trigger
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It’s still unclear how the bullet ended up in the gun that Alec Baldwin was holding on the movie set. It’s also unclear whether the “Supercell” actor actually pulled the trigger or not. He has vehemently denied pulling the trigger in an ABC interview in December 2021 and in subsequent interviews since then; however, a forensic investigation from the FBI stated that the trigger on the firearm had to be pulled.
In addition to facing a criminal trial in July, Baldwin also faces numerous civil cases in California and Mexico. The civil lawsuit didn’t stop him from finishing filming last spring in Montana, where Baldwin returned to reprise his role. Director Joel Souza, who was hospitalized as a result of the shooting, also returned to direct.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has not been asked to return to the production, although she has maintained through her lawyer, Jason Bowles, that she does not know how live ammunition was found on the set of “Rust.” His trial is scheduled for March 8.
SAG-AFTRA Defends Alec Baldwin Amid Criminal Charges
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While many questioned why Alec Baldwin did not personally inspect the firearm to see if it contained live ammunition, SAG-AFTRA released a statement announcing that it is the gunsmith’s job, not the actor’s, to inspect the gun if it is used on set. In a statement posted on their website on January 25, 2024, SAG-AFTRA wrote, “To the extent that the charge filed on January 19 is based on the negligent use of a firearm based on this matter or any actor has a duty to check firearms as part of their use, that’s a misjudgment of what an actor’s real job is on set.”
“An actor’s job is not to be an expert on firearms or weapons. Firearms are prepared for use on set under the guidance of several professional experts who are directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of the firearms,” they continued. “Industry standards for safety with firearms and the use of blanks are clearly laid out in Safety Bulletin 1, prepared by the Joint Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Commission. The guidelines require an experienced and qualified armorer to be responsible for all handling, use and storage of firearms on set. These duties include ‘checking the firearm and barrel before and after each firing sequence,’ and ‘checking all firearms before each use.’
“The guidelines do not make it the responsibility of the perpetrator to check any firearms. Performers train to perform, and they are not required or expected to be experts in firearms or experienced in their use. The industry leaves that responsibility to qualified professionals who oversee its use and handling in every aspect,” they concluded. “Anyone who discharges a firearm on set must be given training and guidance in its safe handling and use, but all activities with firearms on set must be under the close supervision and control of professional armorers and employers.”
Alec Baldwin, who served as an actor and producer of Western films, could face up to 18 months to three years in prison and a fine of around $5,000 if found guilty.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
