An ammunition supplier testified in the ongoing involuntary manslaughter trial of “Rust” armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, claiming he only supplied inert dummy rounds to the film set where actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, per lbc.co.uk.
However, Seth Kenney, the Albuquerque-based supplier, did acknowledge handling live rounds for another production involving Gutierrez-Reed’s step-father. He stated he cleaned and repackaged used ammunition from a Texas set, providing only non-functional rounds to “Rust.”
The source of live rounds found on the “Rust” set, including the one in Baldwin’s gun, remains central to the trial. Industry and union regulations strictly prohibit live ammunition on set.
Prosecutors accuse Gutierrez-Reed of introducing live rounds and disregarding safety protocols. She denies the charges.
Alec Baldwin practicing drawing his revolver on the set of the Rust movie (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA)The defence argues she is being scapegoated for issues beyond her control, including Baldwin’s handling of the weapon. They pointed out inconsistencies in Kenney’s recollection and storage practices.
Baldwin, also facing involuntary manslaughter charges related to the shooting, will be tried separately in July. He maintains his innocence.
Kenney denied providing live ammunition to anyone on “Rust” but acknowledged possessing live rounds used for a separate training exercise. These rounds, initially supplied by Gutierrez-Reed’s step-father, were stored in a marked container outside his shop.
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s office searched Kenney’s business weeks after the shooting, seizing live rounds for comparison with those found on set. The defence criticises the delayed search, suggesting incomplete investigation.
Kenney’s testimony also revealed disagreements with Gutierrez-Reed regarding her performance on the set following a prior gun misfire.
