Rust shooting incident

On October 21, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot and director Joel Souza was injured on the set of the film Rust when a live round was discharged from a revolver used as a prop by actor Alec Baldwin.

The incident was investigated by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, the New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On January 19, 2023, the Santa Fe district attorney announced that Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed would be charged with two counts each of involuntary manslaughter, and in the alternative with two counts each of manslaughter. First assistant director David Halls agreed to plead guilty to the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. On January 31, 2023, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were formally charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. On February 23, 2023, Baldwin pleaded not guilty and on April 20, 2023, it was reported that prosecutors had informed Baldwin that the charges against him were being dropped. On June 22, 2023, Gutierrez-Reed was additionally charged with tampering with evidence and on August 9, 2023, she pleaded not guilty to both charges. Her trial is scheduled on February 21 through March 6, 2024. On January 19, 2024, Baldwin was indicted again with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Halyna Hutchins and on January 31, 2024, he pleaded not guilty.

The incident prompted a discourse on occupational safety in the film industry, the treatment of its employees, and the use of real guns as props.