Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armourer on the film set of “Rust,” has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred in October 2021 during a scene rehearsal on a ranch in New Mexico, involving actor Alec Baldwin. Baldwin, who was handling the gun that discharged, is also set to face trial for involuntary manslaughter later in the year.

During the trial, it was revealed that Gutierrez-Reed had improperly loaded a live round into the firearm Baldwin was using. The judge, Mary Marlowe Sommer, criticised Gutierrez-Reed for her role in transforming what should have been a safe weapon into a lethal one, and condemned her lack of accountability and professionalism. Witnesses testified that Gutierrez-Reed’s management of firearms on the set was disorganized and that safety protocols were not adequately followed.

Gutierrez-Reed had previously pleaded for leniency and expressed her hope for peace for those affected by the tragedy, despite maintaining her innocence and defending her actions during jailhouse phone conversations. In sentencing, Judge Sommer remarked on the serious consequences of Gutierrez-Reed’s negligence, particularly highlighting its impact on Hutchins’ family.

This case has raised broader concerns about safety on film sets, prompting discussions about the use of real firearms during production. Filming for “Rust” eventually resumed in Montana under an agreement with Hutchins’ widower, with heightened safety measures presumably in place. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Alec Baldwin are ongoing.