The actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter after a cinematographer was killed by a prop gun that he fired on set.
In October 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when Baldwin shot a gun – that he believed safe – while rehearsing a scene for the film Rust.
The film’s armourer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, will also face the same charge.
In a statement today (Thursday 19 January), Santa Fe’s District Attorney said the pair are to be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, both could face 18 months in jail and a fine of $5,000 (£4,040).
In April 2022, the producers of the film (Rust Productions), were given a maximum $136,793 (£105,000) fine issued by the New Mexico Environment Department stating that the filmmakers showed “plain indifference to recognised hazards associated with use of firearms on set”.
Baldwin had previously said he was unaware the gun was loaded claiming that the firearm, a replica Colt.45 revolver, had misfired while he cocked it. “I don’t know what happened on that set. I don’t know how that bullet arrived in that gun. I don’t know,” the actor said in December 2021.
Baldwin and Hutchins will have charges filed against them at the end of this month and will be tried by jury, prosecutors said.
According to research by the Associated Press, more than 150 people have been left with life-altering injuries from accidents occurring on US film sets since 1990.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all employers to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work, regardless of the sector.
The HSE’s advice on the management of firearms and weapons in UK film and television production, states that those in control of production should ensure they are utilising trained individuals who are competent in all aspects of their provision.
