True Crime Obsessed Podcast - Episode 421: "Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna"

Introduction In episode 421 of True Crime Obsessed, titled "Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna," the hosts delve deep into the tragic incident that occurred on the set of the Western film Rust. This episode explores the chaotic events that led to the accidental shooting of director of photography Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza, shedding light on the systemic safety failures and negligence that culminated in this avoidable tragedy.

Background of the Incident The incident took place on October 21, 2021, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the filming of Rust. Alec Baldwin, a renowned actor and producer, was rehearsing a scene involving a prop gun. According to the hosts, the set was fraught with safety issues, including the presence of live ammunition—a blatant violation of standard film set protocols.

Key Players and Their Roles

• Alec Baldwin ([30:20]): The lead actor and producer of Rust, Baldwin was responsible for handling the prop gun during rehearsals.
• Halyna Hutchins ([03:22]): The director of photography, Hutchins was on set to bring her creative vision to life. Tragically, she was fatally shot during the rehearsal.
• Joel Souza ([03:35]): The director of Rust, Souza was also injured in the shooting.
• Hannah ([16:38]): The armorer responsible for managing firearms on set. Her lack of experience and negligence played a pivotal role in the tragedy.
• Dave Halls ([29:30]): The first assistant director and safety coordinator, who had a history of unsafe practices on previous productions.

Set Safety Failures The podcast highlights multiple layers of negligence:

• Inexperienced Armorer ([16:38], [60:07]): Hannah, the armorer, was inadequately trained despite her father's expertise. She failed to ensure that all firearms were safe, leading to the presence of live bullets on set.
• Ineffective Safety Coordination ([29:30], [56:12]): Dave Halls, despite his role as safety coordinator, neglected to perform thorough inspections of the firearms, directly contributing to the lapse in safety protocols.
• Production Pressures and Cost-Cutting ([24:15], [57:04]): Rust faced budget constraints, leading to the hiring of cheaper, non-union crew members and cutting corners on essential safety measures. This environment fostered a culture where safety was compromised for the sake of efficiency and cost savings.

The Shooting Incident During a rehearsal, Alec Baldwin was instructed by Hannah to point the gun at her to frame the shot. Without proper checks, a live bullet was present in the gun. As Baldwin rehearsed, the gun discharged, resulting in Hutchins' death and Souza's injury. The hosts describe the scene as one of "complete chaos" ([00:04], [32:16]), where panic ensued, and the gravity of the situation quickly became apparent.

Immediate Aftermath and Legal Proceedings Following the incident, the set was engulfed in confusion and fear. Police arrived to investigate, instilling even more chaos ([05:32], [32:38]). Legal actions unfolded as follows:

• Hannah's Conviction ([63:18]): Hannah was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison due to her negligence in handling firearms.
• Dave Halls' Plea Deal ([64:17]): Dave admitted to negligent use of a deadly weapon and received six months of probation, highlighting a lack of accountability for those in key safety roles.
• Alec Baldwin's Trial and Dismissal ([70:31]): Baldwin faced legal scrutiny but ultimately had his case dismissed with prejudice, effectively rendering him not guilty in the eyes of the law.

OSHA Investigation and Findings The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an investigation, revealing systemic failures:

• Multiple Negligent Discharges ([54:13]): Prior to the fatal shooting, there were two accidental discharges, indicating a pattern of unsafe firearm handling on set.
• Lack of Proper Protocols ([56:12], [60:07]): The investigation underscored that essential safety measures were ignored, with live bullets improperly stored and mishandled firearms posing constant threats.

Civil Lawsuit and Settlement In 2023, Halyna Hutchins' family filed a civil lawsuit against Rust Productions, Alec Baldwin, and others involved. A confidential settlement was reached, allowing the completion of the film while honoring Hutchins' legacy ([72:35]).

Documentary and Legacy The episode concludes by discussing Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, a documentary directed by Rachel Mason, a close friend of Hutchins. The documentary utilizes extensive footage from the set, including body cam recordings and interviews with key personnel, to provide an unflinching look at the events leading up to the tragedy. It serves as both a tribute to Hutchins and a cautionary tale about the dire consequences of negligence in high-stakes environments.

Notable Quotes

• Host A on Set Chaos ([32:16]): "They can't. So, that is adding to, like, why was there a live bullet? There's no universe on earth, universe upon universe upon universe that a live bullet would be on any set anywhere, for any reason."
• Host B on Hannah's Negligence ([33:14]): "She was being told to stop doing the armorer work but still had live bullets in the gun. It’s so unbelievable."
• Host A on Legal Outcomes ([64:52]): "She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, serving 18 months in prison. Dave took a plea deal and got six months probation."
• Host B on Alec Baldwin's Denial ([66:21]): "Alec Baldwin's job is the actor. He's not fixing the lighting. If the armorer tells him that it's okay, he's held a gun before."

Conclusion Episode 421 of True Crime Obsessed meticulously unpacks the multitude of failures that led to one of the most shocking incidents in recent film history. Through insightful analysis, the hosts emphasize the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring accountability at every level of production. The tragic loss of Halyna Hutchins serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that negligence can have, making this episode a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.