re: Baldwin charged again

Here’s a link to the industry guidelines for handling of firearms on set.

LINK /

Some pertinent points:

‘’ No one shall be issued a firearm unless they have been trained in the safe handling, use, proper firing procedures, and proper use of all mechanical safety devices for each type of firearm. If there is any uncertainty as to the qualifications of the person who will use the firearm, the Production, in consultation with the Property Master, shall determine if additional training is required and shall ensure adequate time is provided for such training.

All cast and crew who are in proximity to working firearms should be trained about safe zones and about the proper conduct of personnel who will be present near firearms. This training can be accomplished through the safety meeting or by other means as determined by Production Management.’’

“Whenever the Property Master gives a firearm to a performer, the Property Master shall advise the performer of the type of blank or dummy round being used and afford the performer, cast, and crew the supervised opportunity to verify the same.”

“ Anyone handling the firearm will refrain from pointing a firearm at any person, including themselves. If it is necessary to aim a firearm at another person on camera, the Property Master will be consulted to determine available options. Remember: a firearm, including one loaded with blanks, can inflict severe damage to anything/anyone at which/to whom the firearm is pointed”

In light of these industry procedures, I don’t see how anyone can come to the conclusion other than involuntary manslaughter for Baldwin.

- he’s been in the industry for decades, he’s been in other films with guns. Therefore he is knowledgeable of what the procedures are

- as an actor, he should have been trained on how to use the gun safely in the movie

- as a producer, he is responsible for ensuring that training is carried out

- Baldwin is trained to know that the prop master has to tell him how the gun is loaded, and that he should ask the prop master to show him that it is loaded correctly with the correct ammo

- Baldwin is trained to know not to point a gun directly at someone because a gun with blanks can still go damage. If a shot requires it, the Propmaster should be consulted to ensure additional measures are put in place.

Bottom line, Baldwin was performing an inherently dangerous act which is pointing a gun at someone, and he did not exercise due care when he did that as he ignored industry processes. That equals involuntary manslaughter