The highly anticipated trial for Hannah Gutierrez, the armorer on the set of the film ‘Rust’, is set to commence with opening statements. Gutierrez has been at the center of controversy since the tragic shooting incident that took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza on the set of the film in October 2021.
Gutierrez was responsible for handling and overseeing the firearms used on the set of ‘Rust’, including the gun that was involved in the shooting. The incident raised questions about the safety protocols and practices in place on the set, as well as Gutierrez’s competence and experience as an armorer.
The trial is expected to shed light on what exactly went wrong on the day of the shooting and who should be held accountable for the tragic events that unfolded. Gutierrez is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment, as prosecutors argue that she failed to properly check and secure the firearm that ultimately caused Hutchins’ death.
The defense, on the other hand, is expected to argue that Gutierrez was not solely responsible for the safety of the firearms on set and that there were other factors at play that contributed to the shooting. They may also argue that Gutierrez was not adequately trained or supported in her role as armorer.
The trial is likely to be closely watched by industry professionals and the public alike, as it raises important questions about safety standards in the film industry and the responsibilities of crew members when handling firearms on set. It also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of working with firearms in a high-pressure environment like a film set.
As the trial gets underway, many are hoping for answers and accountability for the tragic events that took place on the set of ‘Rust’. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for the film industry and may lead to changes in safety protocols and practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
