Rust Part 1: The Tragic Death of Halyna Hutchins
On October 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the Western film Rust when a gun held by Alec Baldwin discharged during a rehearsal. The bullet struck Halyna in the chest, and she died from her injuries. She was 42 years old. How did a live round end up in a prop gun? Who was responsible? In Part 1, we explore the events leading up to Halyna's death, the chaotic production, the unqualified armorer, and the critical safety failures that turned a routine rehearsal into a fatal disaster.
Rust Part 2: The Search for Accountability
In Part 1, we explored the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. In Part 2, we dive into the investigations and trials. Where did the live ammunition come from? Who was responsible? Investigators uncovered cost-cutting, unqualified staff, and ignored safety protocols. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was forced to juggle two jobs. Alec Baldwin claimed he never pulled the trigger. The assistant director admitted he didn't check the gun. This episode examines the criminal charges and the difficult question of accountability when a preventable tragedy occurs.