In the ongoing investigation into the tragic prop gun shooting on the set of Rust, new allegations have been brought against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s weapons supervisor. Prosecutors claim that Gutierrez-Reed was drinking and smoking marijuana during the production and may have loaded a live round into the revolver used by Alec Baldwin while being hungover.
These accusations came to light as a response to a motion by Gutierrez-Reed’s legal team seeking to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge against her. Prosecutors argue that her alleged history of reckless behavior should hold her accountable for the fatal incident.
However, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, has strongly criticized the prosecution’s approach, accusing them of mishandling the case and resorting to character assassination. Bowles insists that the case against his client is weak and fails to seek true justice.
As the legal battle continues, Gutierrez-Reed faces a preliminary hearing in August, where a judge will decide if there is sufficient evidence to move forward with the involuntary manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, prosecutors are also evaluating whether to re-charge Alec Baldwin, depending on further analysis of the malfunctioning gun.
The incident, which claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza, has led to widespread scrutiny of safety protocols on film sets. Hutchins is remembered for her talent and contributions to the industry, and her tragic death has sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of those handling firearms in film production.
Questions remain about the integrity of the investigation, with Gutierrez-Reed’s defense team raising concerns about the prosecution’s motives and the handling of evidence by the FBI. They argue that the prosecution has unfairly targeted Gutierrez-Reed, violating her rights under the 14th Amendment.
As the investigation continues, efforts to uncover the truth about the live rounds on set are ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges if new evidence links Gutierrez-Reed to the tragedy. The case has raised critical issues about safety on film sets, and the hope is that the legal process will bring justice and help prevent future incidents.
