Rust Shooting: Baldwin Sued Following Accidental Killing

By Madelynn Loring, Staff Writer

Nearly four months after actor Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a firearm on the set of movie Rust, the husband and son of killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins have filed a lawsuit for her wrongful death. The people involved, as well as the production as a whole, have already been sued several times over the tragic accident. However, this is the first time a suit has been brought by persons related to the victims.

The suit itself targets both the producers on the Rust set, as well as Alec Baldwin, who fired the fatal shot. Its focus mirrors past allegations against the production that safety concerns and proper protocol were disregarded in favor of saving money on set. Similar concerns had been brought to production management long before the fatal shot was fired. There were several other accidental discharges of firearms being reported along with managing forcing crew members to drive over 50 miles to and from set following sometimes 12-hour long shifts, seemingly for the purpose of saving money. 

Additionally, the action draws scrutiny to how the event actually unfolded. Baldwin claims that when he was handed the gun, he was told it was “cold” meaning it was not loaded with any ammunition, including blanks. Regardless, the suit alleges he should have checked the gun, or a fake gun should have been used for the rehearsal, as is industry standard. It also combats Baldwin’s claim in an interview with ABC that he “didn’t pull the trigger.” Though Baldwin has yet to face any criminal charges, and it is unlikely that he will, the suit implicated the actor directly in the death of Hutchins in a very powerful way. It claims that if not for the disregard of safety standards and the recklessness of Baldwin, “Halyna Hutchins would be alive and well, hugging her husband and 9-year-old son. ” 

Baldwin’s attorney has claimed that allegations of the actor’s carelessness are entirely false, but it is clear to see that with no charges being brought against anyone for the tragedy on the Rust set, the family of Hutchins is looking for answers as to who can be held responsible for her death. The film industry at large has still been reeling from the incident, and the implications of this fatal tragedy may affect Hollywood for years to come.