The Tragic Shooting on the Set of ‘Rust’: A Look at the Legal Battle and Prosecution of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and Alec Baldwin
On October 21, 2021, tragedy struck the set of the low-budget indie Western film “Rust” when a live bullet fired from a gun handled by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed struck and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident shed light on the use of real weapons on film sets and raised questions about the safety protocols in place. Now, Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer and props assistant on the film, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, while Alec Baldwin, the star and producer of the film, is also set to stand trial on involuntary manslaughter charges.
The events leading up to the shooting reveal a series of mistakes and negligence. Gutierrez-Reed, who arrived at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico before sunrise on the day of the incident, reported to her job as the armorer and props assistant. She loaded what she thought were dummy rounds into Baldwin’s gun, but it turned out to be live ammunition. Gutierrez-Reed had requested more training time for Baldwin, but her concerns were ignored. The production had also made budget cuts that affected the armorer’s role, compressing it into half a job.
The aftermath of the shooting has been marred by legal battles and missteps by the Santa Fe prosecutor’s office. Gutierrez-Reed is facing up to three years in prison for the manslaughter and evidence tampering charges, as well as an additional 18 months for a separate firearms possession charge. Prosecutors allege that she was negligent in loading the gun and tampered with evidence by asking someone else to take possession of narcotics she had on her that day. Baldwin, who pleaded not guilty, will go to trial after Gutierrez-Reed. The prosecutor’s office has faced criticism for waiting 15 months to bring a case, downgrading charges against Baldwin, and prematurely indicting him.
The case has also raised questions about the producers of “Rust” and their responsibility in the incident. While Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin are facing charges, the producers have not been held criminally liable. Lawsuits have been filed against them, alleging that they ignored industry safety norms, but it’s unlikely they will face criminal charges.
The tragedy has had a profound impact on the lives of those involved. Gutierrez-Reed, once an honors student and aspiring cinematographer, is now awaiting trial and working in social media for a realty company. She has faced threats and has a restraining order against a stalker. Baldwin and the other producers have finished production on “Rust” and attempted to sell the film at the Cannes Film Festival. Hutchins’ widower reached a settlement with the producers, providing for insurance funds and a portion of the film’s profits to benefit their son.
The legal battle surrounding the shooting on the set of “Rust” continues, with Gutierrez-Reed’s trial scheduled to begin in Santa Fe. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols on film sets and the need for accountability when tragic accidents occur.