[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

We discussed all of that at length when it happened, Peter. My opinion (and that's all it is) has not changed. It does not matter how that gun wound up loaded. Not one whit. What matters is that Mr. Baldwin did not personally check that gun when it was handed to him. From the moment he took possession, he became responsible for that gun, and whether or not it was loaded. That is the single most basic rule of firearms handling. Someone tells you the gun they just handed to you is "unloaded", the first thing you do is check. Each and every time, without fail, no excuses. Mr. Baldwin failed to do that, and as a result, Mr. Baldwin killed that lady. No one else killed her, no one else shares any responsibility whatsoever. Not even the guy who loaded it.

Sorry, there is simply no wiggle room here. There are never any "do overs" when it comes to this. These rules are absolutely inviolable, for anyone and everyone who handles firearms under any circumstances. No quarter. I don't care who they are, how "important" they are, if they have convinced others that such plebeian tasks are below their exalted station - it is their responsibility and theirs alone. Accepting possession of a gun is accepting responsibility for its condition and anything that happens with it while in your possession. Period.

Jeff has summarized the situation succinctly. Whatever the device was that was handed to Baldwin, it was his responsibility to inspect it and ensure it was safe. Regardless if he had been told it was a non firing prop, it was his ultimate responsibility to ensure its safety. If Baldwin was not confident of his abilities to ensure the weapon could not/would not fire he should have refused the weapon until which time he knew how to properly manage the artifact.

Had the scene require him to drive a stagecoach he would likely have had more training than what it appears he had for the Colt.

Alec Baldwin did NOT intend to kill Halyna Hutchins, however, his inexperience (or recklessness) led to this tragic death. Did the Armorer have any culpability? Yes. The chain of possession should have been from her to Baldwin then back to her. Any intermediary should have been properly credentialed as an armorer, NOT an assistant director.

In essence, Baldwin screwed up and is in full CYA mode. Any non-celebrity would already have been charged with involuntary manslaughter by now.

Involuntary manslaughter is defined as an unintentional killing that results either from recklessness or criminal negligence or from the commission of a low-level criminal act such as a misdemeanor. Involuntary manslaughter is distinguished from other forms of homicide because it does not require deliberation or premeditation, or even intent. Since these mental states are not required, involuntary manslaughter is the lowest category of homicide.
Source: https://www.justia.com/criminal/offenses/homicide/involuntary-manslaughter/

How many of the six basic gun safety rules did he break? I count all six.


THE SIX BASIC GUN SAFETY RULES

There are six basic gun safety rules for gun owners to understand and practice at all times:

1) Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded. Every time a gun is handled for any reason, check to see that it is unloaded. If you are unable to check a gun to see if it is unloaded, leave it alone and seek help from someone more knowledgeable about guns.

2) Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction. Always be aware of where a gun is pointing. A "safe direction" is one where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage. Only point a gun at an object you intend to shoot. Never point a gun toward yourself or another person.

3) Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Even though it may be comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, it also is unsafe. If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and stumble or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger. Sudden loud noises or movements can result in an accidental discharge because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled. The trigger is for firing and the handle is for handling.

4) Know your target, its surroundings and beyond. Check that the areas in front of and behind your target are safe before shooting. Be aware that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot. If you are in doubt, DON'T SHOOT! Never fire at a target that is only a movement, color, sound or unidentifiable shape. Be aware of all the people around you before you shoot.

5) Know how to properly operate your gun. It is important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun. You should know its mechanical characteristics including how to properly load, unload and clear a malfunction from your gun. Obviously, not all guns are mechanically the same. Never assume that what applies to one make or model is exactly applicable to another. You should direct questions regarding the operation of your gun to your firearms dealer, or contact the manufacturer directly.

6) Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately. When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store it unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container.

Source: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/tips