Santa Fe, New Mexico – Alec Baldwin, renowned actor and producer, is currently facing an involuntary manslaughter trial in Santa Fe for his alleged involvement in a tragic incident on the set of the Western film “Rust.” The trial commenced this week, drawing a small crowd of local spectators to the courthouse.
Baldwin, 66, stands accused of mistakenly firing a real gun loaded with a live round, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and the injury of director Joel Souza in October 2021. Among the onlookers were Janelle Rogers, a background actor who held signs demanding justice for Hutchins and emphasizing the importance of safety on set.
Rogers, a resident of Albuquerque who previously appeared on “Better Call Saul,” expressed her concerns about the lack of safety measures in the industry. She attributed Hutchins’ tragic death to multiple individuals and criticized Baldwin for his upcoming reality TV show, “The Baldwins,” which she deemed a publicity stunt.
Rachel Jarrell, a stay-at-home mom from Rio Rancho, drove an hour to attend the trial, expressing her support for stricter gun safety laws and her desire for justice for Hutchins. Jarrell also voiced her disappointment in the Baldwins’ decision to capitalize on the tragedy for their reality show.
Santa Fe resident Frank Winberly, 81, expressed skepticism towards Baldwin’s claims that he did not pull the trigger on the .45-caliber replica Colt revolver. Winberly firmly believed that Baldwin was responsible for the fatal shooting.
During the trial, Baldwin’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, asserted that his client did not intentionally pull the trigger, shifting from Baldwin’s previous denial. Spiro placed blame on Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the rookie armorer for “Rust,” and others responsible for the safe use of weapons on set. Prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo argued that Baldwin had disregarded gun safety rules and played make-believe with a real gun, contributing to the tragic outcome.
In the courtroom gallery, Hilaria Baldwin and Baldwin’s brother, Stephen Baldwin, were present to support Alec. After the proceedings, the couple was seen shopping and grabbing Starbucks in downtown Santa Fe, accompanied by their toddler. Alec signed autographs for fans, leaving a positive impression on some, despite the ongoing trial.
1 Response
It is indeed a tragic incident that occurred on the set of the film “Rust,” and it is important for justice to be served. However, this incident also highlights the need for stricter safety regulations and protocols in the film industry.
One unique solution could be the implementation of mandatory safety training programs for all individuals involved in film production, including actors, producers, and crew members. These programs could cover essential topics such as firearm safety, set protocols, and emergency response procedures.
Additionally, the film industry