Alec Baldwin sues ‘Rust’ crew members for giving him 'loaded gun' that caused fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Alec Baldwin filed a lawsuit on Friday, November 11, against several crew members over the deadly shooting on the set of the Western movie 'Rust', where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed by a loaded gun that Baldwin was using. The American actor accused 'Rust’s' armorer and first assistant director, among others, of negligence in a cross-complaint following a lawsuit filed against him last year by script supervisor Mamie Mitchell.
Baldwin is currently awaiting a decision on whether he’ll face criminal charges in the shooting. He was blamed by Mitchell for “recklessly” firing the gun that claimed the life of the 42-year-old as she was standing next to her, causing her emotional distress. Baldwin's cross-complaint names armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was in charge of handling guns and ammunition on set in New Mexico, assistant director Dave Halls, prop master Sarah Zachry and prop supplier Seth Kenney.
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Halls reportedly handed the loaded gun to Baldwin after he announced it was safe, reports The New York Times. The crew members did not maintain safety on set, according to Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas. “This tragedy happened because live bullets were delivered to the set and loaded into the gun,” the lawsuit alleges, according to The Times. “More than anyone else on that set, Baldwin has been wrongfully viewed as the perpetrator of this tragedy,” Nikas writes of his client, Deadline reports. “By these Cross-Claims, Baldwin seeks to clear his name and hold Cross-Defendants accountable for their misconduct.” Baldwin lost his bid to toss Mitchell’s lawsuit last week which is one of many filed against the actor following the shooting.
This happens after a Los Angeles County Superior Court said that Mitchell can press on with her claims of assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence against the actor. She also named Gutierrez-Reed and Hall in her complaint.
Hutchins was killed when a revolver Baldwin was rehearsing with during filming on a ranch outside of Sante Fe in New Mexico fired a live round that hit her and movie director Joel Souza, who survived. The incident took place more than a year ago on October 21, 2021. However, Baldwin repeatedly denied any responsibility for the shooting. The actor said he did not pull the trigger of the Colt 45 revolver and it fired after he cocked it.
Alec Baldwin may soon face charges for the Rust shooting. pic.twitter.com/eShnaGFKZJ
— D. Scott @eclipsethis2003 (@eclipsethis2003) September 27, 2022
An FBI forensic test of the revolver found the firearm could not have fired unless the trigger was pulled. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office completed its investigation into the fatal shooting last month. Criminal charges will be soon pressed against those involved, including Baldwin, pending a decision from District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.
After a settlement was reached with Hutchins’ estate last month, the production announced that filming would continue. Matthew Hutchins, her widower, will be an executive producer.