SAG-AFTRA stands by Alec Baldwin, says actors are 'not firearms experts’ as he faces 18 months in prison for ‘Rust’ shooting

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other performers, has stated in defense of Alec Baldwin, who has been indicted for involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’ in 2021.

SAG-AFTRA says actors are not responsible for checking firearms on set

The SAG-AFTRA argued that the charges against Alec Baldwin filed on January 19 were based on a false premise that actors must inspect firearms before using them on set.

“An actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert,” the statement read. “Firearms are provided for use on set under the guidance of multiple expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm," the statement added. 

The statement cited the industry standards for safety with firearms and blank ammunition, which require an "experienced and qualified armorer to be in charge of all aspects of handling, use, and safekeeping of firearms on set."

It said these guidelines "do not make it the performer’s responsibility to check any firearm", and that "performers train to perform" and are "not required or expected to be experts on guns or experienced in their use."

Alec Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison for ‘Rust’ shooting

Baldwin, 65, was holding a prop gun in October 2021 on the set of the Western movie ‘Rust’ when it discharged, killing Hutchins, 42, and injuring director Joel Souza.

Baldwin was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2021, but the charges were dropped three months later.

The newly-appointed prosecutors at the time had hinted at continued investigation and possible charges once again. 

Baldwin is now facing a new indictment for involuntary manslaughter (negligent use of a firearm) or for involuntary manslaughter (without due caution or circumspection), as People noted.

If convicted, the actor could face up to 18 months in prison, according to the New Mexico law.

'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed also charged with involuntary manslaughter set to go on trial 

The on-set armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was also charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in 2021 for her role in the ‘Rust’ shooting along with Baldwin.

Gutierrez-Reed had pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in February. 

Alec Baldwin has maintained that he was unaware of the gun being loaded and denied ever pulling the trigger. 

Gun enhancement charges filed in the case against both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were dropped in late February 2023.

David Halls, the first assistant director for the film, was sentenced to six months in May for unsupervised probation as part of a plea deal.