Rookie armourer blames ‘Rust’ producers for Alec Baldwin shooting

Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed blamed the “unsafe” film set on Rust producers, including Alec Baldwin.

Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed broke her silence to blame an “unsafe” production for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

The rookie has been at the centre of intense rumour and speculation since Alec Baldwin shot and killed Ms Hutchins on the film’s New Mexico set, such as using the firearms for target practice and guns firing without warning twice before the fatal shot.

As Mr Baldwin fled to Vermont to lay low with family, Ms Gutierrez-Reed released a statement through lawyers claiming she has been slandered by “untruths told to the media”.

“Safety is Hannah’s number one priority on set,” said the statement from lawyers Jason Bowles and Robert Gorence.

“Ultimately this set would never have been compromised if live ammo were not introduced. Hannah has no idea where the live rounds came from.”

Her lawyers shifted focus to the film’s producers, saying the production “overruled” her requests for extra safety training and time to prepare for gunfire.

The film credits six producers, Alec Baldwin, Ryan Smith, Nathan Klingher, Ryan Winterstern, Matt DelPiano and Anjul Nigam.

Allen Cheney and Emily Salveson, who received executive producer credit, distanced themselves from the production in a statement saying they were credited for financing and not involved in day to day production.

Ms Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyers said the set was ultimately compromised by live ammunition, and she had “no idea” where that came from, her lawyers said.

“Hannah and the prop master gained control over the guns, and she never witnessed anyone shoot live rounds with these guns and nor would she permit that. They were locked up every night at lunch and there’s no way a single one of them was unaccounted for or being shot by crew members.”

Rookie armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed on the set of Rust. Picture: Facebook

The comment reflects what Ms Gutierrez-Reed told investigators when interviewed shortly after the shooting.

She told detectives that she checked “dummies” and ensured they were not “hot” rounds. She said the weapons were secured in a safe inside the “prop truck” on set, with ammunition left unsecured on a nearby cart. The guns were removed from the safe after lunch before the shooting.

Ms Gutierrez-Reed also confirmed that there were two accidental discharges on set, but denied they were her fault.

“The first one on the set was the prop master and the second was a stunt man after Hannah informed him his gun was hot with blanks,” the statement said.

“The whole production set became unsafe due to various factors, including lack of safety meetings. Rhnot [sic] the fault of Hannah.”

Rookie armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed on the set of Rust. Picture: Facebook

Originally published as Rookie armourer blames ‘Rust’ producers for Alec Baldwin shooting