Tag

Firearm Safety

All articles tagged with #firearm safety

legalcrime1 year ago

'Rust' Movie Armorer Faces Maximum Sentence Amid Lack of Remorse and Legal Defense Fund Controversy

Prosecutors are seeking the maximum 18-month prison sentence for "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. They argue she has failed to take responsibility for her actions. Gutierrez Reed, responsible for firearm safety on set, faces a $5,000 fine as well. The case has raised concerns about safety standards in the movie industry. Actor Alec Baldwin, who was holding the weapon, also faces an involuntary manslaughter charge. Gutierrez Reed's attorney requested a conditional discharge, citing her lack of prior criminal history and good works, but prosecutors point to jailhouse calls where she allegedly blamed others for Hutchins' death and made derogatory remarks about jurors.

politics1 year ago

Colorado Lawmaker's Apology for Leaving Loaded Gun in Capitol Bathroom Sparks Gun Debate

Colorado State Representative Don Wilson left a loaded 9mm Glock handgun unattended in a restroom at the State Capitol, prompting calls for firearm prohibition legislation. The incident occurred as a bill was being considered to expand locations where firearms are prohibited. Wilson apologized and emphasized his commitment to responsible firearm handling, while no criminal charges were filed. The situation has sparked renewed debate on the need for stricter firearm regulations in public spaces.

politics1 year ago

GOP Lawmaker Apologizes for Leaving Loaded Gun in Colorado Capitol Bathroom

Colorado Republican State Rep. Don Wilson apologized for leaving his loaded gun unattended in a state Capitol bathroom, acknowledging the mistake and expressing commitment to responsible firearm handling. The incident, involving a 9mm Glock found by a janitor, occurred after the building was closed to the public, prompting discussions on legislation to prohibit carrying firearms in the Capitol. While no criminal charges are pending, House Speaker Julie McCluskie emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for enhanced safety measures.

law-and-order1 year ago

"Accidental Gun Discharge Prompts Reassignment of Cambridge School Resource Officer"

A police officer's Sig Sauer P320 firearm accidentally discharged in a Cambridge school, marking the fourth such incident in the city since 2019. Attorney Jeff Bagnell, representing a lieutenant who experienced a similar incident, has filed lawsuits against Sig Sauer, alleging the gun is defective. Despite this, Sig Sauer defends its product, while Bagnell advocates for removing the P320 from police use. The officer involved has been reassigned, and the Cambridge Police declined to comment on the ongoing use of the P320 due to litigation.

safety-gun-control1 year ago

"157 Unintentional Child-Related Shootings Reported in Last Year, Everytown Reveals"

Everytown reports that at least 157 people were killed and 270 injured in unintentional shootings by children last year, with incidents often involving teenagers or young children. The lack of comprehensive national data on unintentional shootings has spurred the advocacy group to call for better tracking and public data to prevent such tragedies. Firearms remain a leading cause of accidental child death, and efforts to promote safe firearm storage are being emphasized by advocates.

legalcriminal-justice1 year ago

"Rust" Armorer's Safety Failures Lead to Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction

A juror in the manslaughter trial of Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed said the decision to convict her was easy due to her failure to follow firearm safety procedures, leading to the fatal shooting on the film’s set in 2021. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, with the jury emphasizing her constant safety failures. The juror stated that reaching the guilty verdict was not difficult, and Gutierrez-Reed's defense team argued that she is being used as a scapegoat while real responsibility should fall on the film’s producers, including Alec Baldwin, who was also charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the shooting.

crime-and-justice1 year ago

'Rust' Assistant Director Testifies About Fatal Set Shooting Negligence

Assistant director David Halls testified in court that the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, twice handed a revolver to Alec Baldwin, first emptied of bullets and then loaded with dummy rounds and a live round, contradicting earlier accounts. Halls admitted negligence in checking the gun properly and described the moment of the shooting, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally wounded. Prosecutors are reconstructing the chain of events and custody of ammunition that led to the shooting, with Gutierrez-Reed facing charges of manslaughter and evidence tampering. Defense attorneys argue that problems on the set were beyond Gutierrez-Reed's control, while prosecutors blame her for bringing live ammunition on set and treating safety protocols as optional.

crime1 year ago

"Flint Man Faces Charges in Michigan's First Case Under Safe Gun Storage Law"

Michael Tolbert, a Flint father, has become the first person charged under Michigan's new firearm "safe storage" law after his 2-year-old daughter shot herself in the face with a loaded gun. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree child abuse and violating the gun storage law. The incident occurred one day after the law took effect, and the girl remains in critical condition. The law requires adults to store firearms unloaded and locked in households with children present, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the outcome of a child accessing the gun.

legalcrime1 year ago

Alec Baldwin's Not Guilty Plea Sparks Controversy and Restrictions

Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust in 2021. He waived his right to an arraignment and was released on his own recognizance with conditions, including a ban on possessing firearms and leaving the US without court permission. Prosecutors had initially dropped the charges due to new evidence, but later indicated the possibility of re-filing. The armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, also faces involuntary manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty.

legalcrime1 year ago

"Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter in 'Rust' Shooting Case"

Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" in 2021. He waived an arraignment appearance and is free on his own recognizance with restrictions, including no possession of firearms or dangerous weapons. Baldwin's plea comes after being indicted by a New Mexico grand jury, and an analysis of the gun used in the incident concluded that the trigger had to have been pulled or depressed. The weapons supervisor on the set has also pleaded not guilty, while the assistant director and safety coordinator pleaded no contest to unsafe firearm handling.

legalcrime2 years ago

"Alec Baldwin's Grand Jury Indictment: Two Paths for Prosecutors"

Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for the second time in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" in 2021. The new charge comes after a grand jury indicted Baldwin, with the release of a video showing him directing crew members to move out of the way as he prepared to shoot his weapon. Legal experts suggest that new forensic analysis on the weapon and the video may have prompted prosecutors to refile charges. Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger, but he still faces civil lawsuits amid ongoing legal drama.

legalcrime2 years ago

"Alec Baldwin Faces Dual Prosecution Paths After 'Rust' Shooting Indictment"

Alec Baldwin faces a felony involuntary manslaughter charge after a grand jury indicted him in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the movie "Rust." The indictment provides prosecutors with two alternative standards for the charge, based on the negligent use of a firearm and causing death without due caution. Baldwin's role as a co-producer may also be addressed. Separately, the trial against "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is set for February, and potential witnesses include crew members and a prop master who have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

gun-control2 years ago

"Michigan Strengthens Gun Laws to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims"

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation temporarily banning individuals with domestic violence convictions from possessing and purchasing firearms and ammunition in the state. The new law prohibits those convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence from accessing firearms for eight years after completing their sentence. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The legislation aims to address the prevalence of firearm homicides by intimate partners and protect victims of domestic violence. The law will take effect in mid-February.

technology2 years ago

"Smart Gun: Revolutionary Technology or Market Flop?"

The first smart gun is set to hit the market, but it remains uncertain whether there will be significant demand for it. Sasha Wiesen, a commercial real-estate broker from Florida, has preordered the new firearm in hopes that it will eliminate the need for a traditional safe. However, the success of smart guns will depend on factors such as consumer acceptance, gun control regulations, and overall market demand for enhanced firearm safety.

law-and-politics2 years ago

Florida's New Gun Laws: What to Expect on July 1

Starting July 1, Florida residents will be able to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, making it the 26th state to implement permitless carry. However, there are exceptions and rules to follow, including restrictions on carrying in certain locations. While training is not required under the new law, experts strongly recommend it. The legal age to carry a concealed weapon is 21, and individuals with felony convictions or physical impairments preventing safe weapon use are prohibited. Non-residents can also carry concealed weapons in Florida, provided they meet certain criteria.