‘Rust’ armorer pleads not guilty to separate gun charge

by Nick Robertson - 12/02/23 11:18 AM ET

FILE - This aerial photo shows the movie set of "Rust" at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Prosecutors in New Mexico plan to drop an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film “Rust.” Baldwin’s attorneys said in a statement Thursday that they are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) — This aerial photo shows the movie set of “Rust” at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

The set armorer for the film where actor Alec Baldwin shot and killed a cinematographer in 2021 pleaded not guilty to gun charges in an unrelated case on Friday.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged for carrying a gun in a Santa Fe, N.M., bar just days before the on-set shooting. She made her plea after attorneys waived an arraignment that was scheduled for next week, The Associated Press reported.

Gutierrez-Reed also faces involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering charges related to the “Rust” shooting. Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a film rehearsal.

Prosecutors claimed Gutierrez-Reed, as the set armorer, was responsible for the safety of the firearm and the set. They have issued subpoenas in the case for “Rust” documents and any related audio and video recordings held by the film Los Angeles-based production company.

The New Mexico prosecutors initially charged Baldwin, but later dropped the case citing new evidence. They noted that charges could be re-filed in the future.

Set safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls was sentenced to six months probation after he pleaded no contest to a charge of unsafe handling of a firearm.

The Associated Press contributed.

Tags Alec Baldwin David Halls Halyna Hutchins Hannah Gutierrez-Reed New Mexico Rust shooting