Halena Hutchins’ family attorney criticizes SAG-AFTRA’s defense of Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin

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Family lawyer Rust SAG-AFTRA’s defense of Alec Baldwin amid potential new charges goes against common sense and the law, cinematographer Halina Hutchins said this week.

Baldwin was indicted in the fatal shooting of Hutchins earlier this month, after a grand jury filed a new investigation that recommended charges. He was previously accused of manslaughter in January 2023, before the charges were dropped in April 2023 after new evidence was discovered that required investigation. New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack Altwiss told CNN last week that the new indictment comes on the basis that Baldwin, as a producer, had a duty “to make sure the set was safe,” and that, as an actor, he should have inspected that weapon. And he examines those projectiles.”

Following news of the new accusations, SAG-AFTRA called the comments “wrong and ill-advised.”

“An actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert,” the union’s statement said. “Firearms are provided for use under the supervision of several expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of this firearm.” The union also said it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe working environment.

“The idea that an actor is not liable if he has a gun, points it at someone on set, and fires the gun is contrary to common sense and the law,” said Gloria Allred, an attorney for the Hutchins family. L said Hollywood Reporter. “Safety protocols may be taken into consideration during trial, but they are not the law. This indictment is the result of the grand jury’s careful evaluation of all the facts and the law.

the Rust The shooting occurred on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin fired an old-fashioned handgun while practicing drawing the firearm. Although assistant director David Holz told Baldwin that the weapon contained no live ammunition, the gun discharged toward Hutchins, who was killed, and director Joel Souza, who was wounded. Five live rounds of ammunition were found on the set after the shooting. It is still unknown how they ended up in the group.

“It is important to respect the grand jury’s decision to indict, and allow the criminal justice system to move forward with a trial where the case will be decided on its merits,” Allred’s statement this week continued. “We look forward to the jury having the opportunity at trial to decide who should bear responsibility for Halina’s sudden death,” she added.