Last fall, the entertainment industry was shaken when tragic events occurred on the sets of western films Rust. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot from a prop gun and killed by a live bullet. Alec Baldwin, the lead actor, was holding the weapon that fired the round. This also injured Joel Souza. The FBI quickly launched an investigation. Baldwin denied pulling trigger. Now, the investigation is complete, and the forensic findings clash with Baldwin’s account.
The FBI recently released a forensics report, which found that the gun used on the set couldn’t have been fired unless the person handling it pulled the trigger. The FBI released the report via ABC NewsAccording to, accidental discharge testing was used to determine the type of gun that was used in the set. The .45 Colt caliber F.lli Pietta single-action revolver reportedly “could not be made to fire without a pull of the trigger”If the hammer is placed in quarter-and-half-cock positions, it will work. Also, the firearm “could not be made to fire”You can’t pull the trigger if you have the hammer fully cocked.
Alec Baldwin did not address the forensic findings as of writing. In the aftermath of Hayla Hutchins’ death, the actor had spoken about the situation on multiple occasions. The FBI started its work. Baldwin denied that rumors had erupted that he wasn’t complyingDuring the investigation. When explaining Why he spoke out following the Rust tragedyThe actor spoke out about the investigation during a long interview. Although he acknowledged it could take some time, he assured that he would do his best to get the job done. “[couldn’t] wait for that process”He was eager to tell his side. The legal arbitration was also claimed. Baldwin didn’t even know a live round had been shotHe was not shown the bullet until that moment.
Subsequently, Alec Baldwin has been involved in multiple lawsuits. In November 2021, he and the production company behind the film were sued by the crew’s chief of lighting, Serge Svetnoa. Svetnoa sued Baldwin, accusing him and his fellow producers to be liable for punitive damages. “consciously aware of the wrongfulness and harmfulness of their conduct.” Script supervisor Mamie Mitchell Baldwin filed suit within a week, claiming that Baldwin had not been informed.It was playing “Russian Roulette with a loaded gun.”He claimed, she continued to assert. “intentionally, without cause or excuse”The gun was fired.
Hayla Hutchins’ family hit the actor with another lawsuitThis also included RustHannah Gutierrez Reed, an armorer, and David Halls, the assistant director. The suit was filed by Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, on behalf of himself and the couple’s young son, Andros. Also, the filing stated that the leading man as well as crew members were named in the suit. “were aware of firearms safety issues that had occurred on the set.”
The Company behind RustMaximum fines were also possible as a result of an investigation conducted by the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau. The company was given a Willful-Serious Citation and a $136,793 penalty. The production house was given 15 days to pay the fine, send a certificate of corrective action, or contest the citation.
It’s currently unclear as to how things the fallout as a whole will progress now that the FBI investigation has concluded. Many will be curious to see if Alec Baldwin speaks out again.