On October 21, 2021, actor Alec Baldwin was in the midst of rehearsing a scene on set of Rust in New Mexico. While rehearsing, he was using a handgun prop, which includes a cross drawing of a revolver. As the crew prepared for the shot, the firearm discharged unexpectedly, resulting in a bullet striking the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins in the chest. Joel Souza, the director of the film, also sustained an injury, being struck in the shoulder. Hutchins, aged 42, was swiftly airlifted to a hospital in Albuquerque, where she tragically passed away. Souza, aged 48, was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Santa Fe and discharged the following day.
Prior to the incident, approximately six members of the camera crew had reportedly walked off the set due to concerns over working conditions, citing prolonged work hours and delayed payments, as outlined in an affidavit provided by individuals involved in the production. In the days leading up to the fatal shooting, there were at least two accidental firearm discharges on set, as stated by three former crew members of the film.
In New Mexico, akin to many other states, involuntary manslaughter is described as the unlawful yet unintentional act of causing another person's death. The indictment issued on January 19, 2024, levied two separate counts of involuntary manslaughter against Mr. Baldwin, although only one can result in a conviction. The more severe charge, classified as a felony, alleges total disregard or indifference for the safety of others while the other pertains to the negligent use of a firearm (The New York Times). Initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023, Mr. Baldwin saw those charges dropped by a previous set of prosecutors three months later. Subsequently, new prosecutors announced their intention to have a grand jury reconsider the possibility of reinstating charges, which they ultimately did. Dave Halls, the first assistant director on Rust reached a plea agreement concerning a charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.
The tragic incident on the set of the film Rust involving Alec Baldwin has sparked significant public concern regarding movie set safety. The circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza have brought to light critical questions about the protocols and practices in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved in film production. Whether it is “eighteen-hour workdays with no lunch breaks” or “car accidents caused by sleep deprivation” the standards on film and television sets are rigid and often lack human empathy (Li). Reports of previous accidental gun discharges and complaints from crew members about working conditions have heightened scrutiny on the industry's safety standards. Assistant professor of entertainment and media studies at the University of Georgia Kate Fortmueller concludes that on set there “are people who have died from car accidents, so in the worst-case scenarios, the hidden cost might be somebody’s life” (Li). The production of any series or film should never be unsafe, unpredictable, and inequitable.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures on movie sets to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future and to uphold the well-being of all individuals working in the film industry, with emphasis on the point that nothing is ever more important than safety.
Works Cited
Li, Shirley. “The People Who Make Your Favorite Movies and Shows Are Fed Up.” The Atlantic, 8 October 2021.
Maddus, Gene. “Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ Manslaughter Trial Set for July” Variety. https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-manslaughter-trial-scheduled-1235922183/.
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