A further investigation into the misconduct that left a loaded gun in actor Alec Baldwin‘s hand on the set of the 2021 film “Rust” concluded that the weapons expert on set was allegedly hungover. It has long been alleged that prop master Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s negligence is what led to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Prior to today’s revelation, Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Hutchins. The charges were later dropped. Gutierrez-Reed was allegedly drinking and smoking marijuana at night throughout the filming period of “Rust”, leading prosecutors to conclude that she was likely hungover when she loaded the prop gun that was meant to be left blank.
Social media users are having mixed reactions to the news, which could result in a fresh set of charges for both Baldwin and Reed.
Online Reactions
The case is a landmark of its kind in film set safety. The court of public opinion has long debated who is truly responsible–the armorer who left a loaded gun as a prop, or the actor who pulled the trigger. Some still feel that Baldwin is responsible for the shooting, and that he only skirted charges due to his celebrity status.
Alec. Baldwin. Pulled. The. Trigger.
— The Duke of Northumberland blue check (@Bagehot99) June 14, 2023
Others agree with prosecutors that Reed is the one truly responsible for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
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Why were there live bullets on set?…
— Mike Elias (@LostWages2024) June 14, 2023
Elsewhere, some maintain that Reed should not be held liable if she was not actively drunk or high on set.
Lol oh no not the Devil’s lettuce! Drinking and smoking marijuana in the evenings? Sounds like a relaxing night for most people in America
— Chad Fegley (@FegleyChad) June 14, 2023
Reed’s attorney Jason Bowles issued a statement on her behalf. “The case is so weak that they now have chosen to resort to character assassination claims about Hannah. The prosecution has abandoned the idea of doing justice and getting to the actual truth apparently.”
A preliminary hearing for Gutierrez-Reed is currently set for August. The hearing could additionally determine whether charges against Baldwin will be reinstated.
