“Emotional Testimony Places Blame on ‘Rust’ Armorer in Fatal On-Set Shooting Trial”
In a gripping turn of events during the trial for the fatal shooting on the set of “Rust,” dolly grip Ross Addiego delivered a tearful account on Monday, putting much of the responsibility on the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed. The emotional testimony unfolded as Addiego recounted the tragic events surrounding the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Addiego, visibly choked up at several points, criticized Gutierrez Reed for leaving guns and ammunition unsecured, highlighting a departure from the meticulous and professional armorers he had encountered in his 30-year career. The crew member detailed Gutierrez Reed’s lax approach, stating, “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen an armorer pull loose ammo out of a fanny pack.”
Gutierrez Reed is currently on trial for involuntary manslaughter, accused of mistakenly loading a live round into Alec Baldwin’s gun, which discharged during a scene preparation at the Bonanza Creek Ranch.
As Addiego assisted the camera operator in setting up the shot, he described the moment the firearm went off in a small wooden church, causing panic and injuring Hutchins. Addiego vividly recalled attending to director Joel Souza, struck in the shoulder by the same bullet that passed through Hutchins.
The emotional toll on Addiego became evident as he recounted the crew’s efforts to stabilize Hutchins, who was eventually flown to a trauma center in Albuquerque. The crew received the devastating news of her death, prompting a visibly shaken Addiego to remove his glasses and wipe his eyes with a tissue.
During cross-examination, Gutierrez Reed’s lawyer, Jason Bowles, pointed out that Addiego had filed a negligence lawsuit against Baldwin and the film’s producers. Bowles questioned whether Addiego’s testimony aimed to support his lawsuit and if he sought financial compensation. Addiego asserted, “I’m hoping for justice, sir. Two people were injured on a film set. That has not only affected me — it’s affected the film industry.”
The defense revealed internal turmoil as Gutierrez Reed’s lawyer, Todd Bullion, faced a motion to withdraw from the case. Despite the motion being denied, a new attorney, Monnica Barreras, joined the defense team during the trial.
As the trial continues, the focus remains on Gutierrez Reed, with Addiego emphasizing the need for accountability in the aftermath of the tragic incident.