Testimony at trial on Monday delved into the tragic 2021 shooting incident on the set of the movie 'Rust,' where actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal. The trial saw an eyewitness recounting the events, describing gun misfires, crew members walking out, and concerns about safety protocols.
The armorer for the film, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. Baldwin, who fired the fatal shot, is also facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
During the trial, it was revealed that Gutierrez-Reed, a 24-year-old part-time armorer, faced challenges due to her lack of trade-union membership and the intimidating environment on set. The testimony included details of Baldwin handling the revolver that led to Hutchins' death, with a video showing him practicing a cross-draw maneuver shortly before the shooting.
A crew member emotionally described the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, highlighting safety concerns on the set, including unattended gun storage and inadequate safety meetings. The witness also mentioned prior safety complaints made to union representatives and the film's safety official.
Prosecutors presented evidence of live rounds found on the set, attributing blame to Gutierrez-Reed for bringing live ammunition. FBI forensic experts testified about their examination of the revolver and ammunition seized from the set, as well as from the film's supplier.
The firearms expert confirmed that the revolver was fully functional and conducted tests to address Baldwin's claim of an accidental discharge. The expert concluded that the gun did not fire without the trigger being pulled.
The trial continues to shed light on the events leading to the tragic shooting on the 'Rust' set, with testimonies revealing lapses in safety protocols and the complex circumstances surrounding the incident.
