Recently, the well-known actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot a cinematographer and injured a director after pulling the trigger of the prop gun while filming the movie "Rust" in New Mexico. However, he may not have to bear criminal or civil liability for the tragedy.
Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the shooting took place. (Image source: Associated Press profile photo)
The Associated Press reported that experts predict that the tragedy will have dire legal consequences, certainly including civil lawsuits and potential criminal charges. In addition to Baldwin, 5 producers, 4 executive producers, 1 executive producer and 1 co-producer, as well as assistant directors Dave Halls and gun dealer Hannah Gutierrez, may all face some sort of responsibility.
The estimated payout could reach "millions of dollars," some of which could be covered by insurance owned by the production company Rust Movie Productions.
Adam Winkler, a gun policy expert at the UCLA School of Law and professor at the UCLA School of Law, said: "Obviously, there was negligence on set. The producers are responsible for keeping the crew safe, and there is a clear danger on the set. ”
Santa Fe-based district attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said on the 26th that the investigation is still in its initial stages and her office is far from making any decision on whether to file any charges. She added that those involved in the production are working with law enforcement agencies.
Speaking about the surrounding situation of the Rust shooting, she said: "There are many people involved, and there are many parts of the advance. ”
Authorities said on the 22nd that when assistant director Hall handed the weapon to Baldwin, he said that it was a "cold gun", indicating that it could be safely used, but the gun was loaded with live ammunition. Photographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed, injuring director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her.
Baldwin has been known for his roles in "30Rock" and "The Hunt for Red October" and for his interpretation of former President Trump in "Saturday Night Live." He described the shooting as a "tragic accident."
Rust has been controversial since filming began in early October, including seven film crew members who left the shooting location hours before the shooting. The Los Angeles Times quoted two unnamed film crews as saying that five days before the shooting, Baldwin's stunt double accidentally fired two live ammunition after being told the gun did not have bullets.
One crew member was shocked by the firesmith. He told a production director via text message: "It's very unsafe. ”
Winkler said the previous misfire — and the absence of any apparent action after the fire — " was the cause of liability for significant damages" . "You can't know there's a dangerous situation and do nothing."
Production company Rust FilmMaking said it was working with Santa Fe authorities to conduct an investigation. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Rust FilmMaking said: "Although we have not received any official complaints about the safety of weapons or props at the shooting site, we will conduct internal reviews during the suspension period." ”
Although New Mexico law defines involuntary manslaughter in part as a lawful act that causes death in an "unlawful manner or without proper care," defense attorney Nina Marino said she doubted any criminal charges would be brought.
Julie Shapiro, a law professor and director at the Loyola Law School's Entertainment and Media Law Institute, said the insurance company might cover any accidents but might not pay for negligent claims on the film set. The insurance company will conduct its own investigation to determine whether an oversight has occurred. (End)