Devendra Kumar
The United States actors union, SAG-AFTRA, has come to the defense of Alec Baldwin, who was recently charged with involuntary manslaughter over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust. The union argues that Baldwin was not responsible for firearms safety on the film set, claiming that an “incorrect assessment” has been made of the actor’s duties. According to SAG-AFTRA, the actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert, but rather to perform as an actor.
In a statement, the union emphasized that Baldwin is not required or expected to be an expert on guns or experienced in their use. Instead, the industry assigns the responsibility of firearms safety to qualified professionals who oversee the use and handling of weapons throughout the production. SAG-AFTRA also pointed out that Baldwin has maintained that he pulled back the hammer, but not the trigger, and the gun fired.
The charge against Baldwin was formally dismissed in April 2023, but special prosecutors re-charged him last week after conducting a new analysis of the gun used in the incident. Baldwin, through his lawyers, has responded by demanding a “speedy trial” to minimize public vilification and suspicion and to avoid the hazards of proving his innocence that often arise after lengthy delays in prosecution. He has also requested that the New Mexico District Attorney preserve all evidence related to the case and produce a written list of all witnesses intended to be called at the trial.
Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armourer, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering and is set to go on trial on February 21st.