In opening statements at Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial, his attorney argues that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was responsible for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Actor Alec Baldwin is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust" in 2021. During his opening statements, Baldwin's lawyer, Alex Spiro, argued that his client was not at fault and blamed the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, for the tragedy.
Spiro presented a detailed account of the events leading up to the shooting and emphasized Baldwin's reliance on the safety protocols established on the film set. He stressed that Baldwin had no reason to believe that the gun he was holding was loaded with a live round.
Alec Baldwin's Lawyer Blames Armorer for 'Rust' Shooting, Claims Actor Was Not at Fault
"This was an unspeakable tragedy, but Alec Baldwin committed no crime," Spiro told the jury. "He was an actor acting, playing the role of Harlan Rust. An actor playing a character."
Spiro highlighted that Baldwin was relying on Gutierrez Reed, who was responsible for gun safety on the set, to ensure the firearm was safe. He argued that Baldwin had no obligation to check the gun himself, as this was the responsibility of the armorer.
Alec Baldwin's Lawyer Blames Armorer for 'Rust' Shooting, Claims Actor Was Not at Fault
"No one fathomed, imagined, foresaw any possible danger," Spiro stated. "Alec Baldwin was told the gun was safe, and on a movie set, those checks are carried out before the weapon reaches an actor's hands."
Spiro emphasized that the film industry has well-established safety protocols for handling firearms, and Baldwin had a reasonable belief that these protocols were being followed.
Alec Baldwin's Lawyer Blames Armorer for 'Rust' Shooting, Claims Actor Was Not at Fault
"The evidence will show that guns are in movies because movies are about people’s lives and guns are in people’s lives," Spiro argued. "Alec Baldwin was simply performing his job as an actor, relying on the safety apparatus that is supposed to protect everyone on set."
Baldwin's wife, Hilaria, and brother, Stephen, were present in the Santa Fe courtroom and listened intently to the opening statements.
Alec Baldwin's Lawyer Blames Armorer for 'Rust' Shooting, Claims Actor Was Not at Fault
The prosecution, led by prosecutor Erlinda Johnson, painted a different picture, alleging that Baldwin was reckless and negligent in his handling of the firearm. Johnson presented evidence that Baldwin pointed the gun at Hutchins and cocked the hammer before it fired.
"This defendant mishandled this gun," Johnson said. "You will see him using this gun as a pointer to point at people to point at things. You will see him cock the hammer when he’s not supposed to cock the hammer. He cocks the hammer and points it straight at Ms. Hutchins."
Alec Baldwin's Lawyer Blames Armorer for 'Rust' Shooting, Claims Actor Was Not at Fault
Johnson maintained that Baldwin, like any other person, had an obligation to ensure that the gun he was handling was safe, regardless of his reliance on others.
"The evidence will show, ladies and gentlemen, that’s not possible," Johnson asserted. "Alec Baldwin displayed a reckless disregard for Halyna Hutchins' safety."
Spiro countered that even if Baldwin did pull the trigger, he was not culpable because the gun should not have been able to fire without a deliberate pull.
"The FBI's forensic testing destroyed the firearm, preventing Baldwin's defense from vetting it for any modifications or malfunctions that could help his defense," Spiro explained.
The trial is expected to feature testimony from various witnesses and experts, including firearms analysts and industry professionals. The outcome of the trial will determine Baldwin's responsibility for the fatal shooting and whether he will face prison time.
