'Rust' Armorer's Trial Begins with Focus on Alec Baldwin's Role

Defense claims Baldwin violated safety rules, while prosecutors allege armorer's negligence led to cinematographer's death.

Defense attorneys for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the 'Rust' armorer on trial, argue Alec Baldwin is to blame for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, citing his control over the set and violation of basic gun safety rules.
Prosecutors allege Gutierrez-Reed's negligence in handling weapons and ammunition led to Hutchins' death, accusing her of failing to ensure the absence of live rounds on set and tampering with evidence.
Jurors were shown photos of live rounds found on the 'Rust' set, including one in a photo taken by Gutierrez-Reed, as part of the prosecution's evidence of her alleged negligence.
Gutierrez-Reed faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, with her defense arguing she is being made a scapegoat for broader safety failures on the production.
The trial is expected to last two weeks, with Baldwin's own trial for involuntary manslaughter scheduled to follow. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty, insisting he did not pull the trigger.