Alec Baldwin wants 'Rust' prosecutor dismissed as she's a Republican lawmaker: 'Unconstitutional'

[gldstwmn]

32. He was one of 13 producers on Rust and his production deal applied to script changes, writing,

a financial investment in the film and back-end profits which he has signed over to Halyna Hutchins husband and son. As someone said further up on this thread, he has already settled monetarily. Did you know that charges were brought without even bringing the case before a grand jury? The judge still has to decide whether or not to move this case to trial.
In light of this information of a politician serving in the New Mexico legislature serving as Special Prosecutor, this whole thing smells highly political. It's a huge gaffe at the very least.
I think Alec Baldwin is a fine actor and I've enjoyed his work immensely over the years but I do not know him personally. I am aware of some of his mistakes and perceived shortcomings. But I do think that he is being railroaded here for the reasons I've mentioned and for political reasons.
As far as the actor always checking the gun, I have read conflicting reports. I have read that once the actor checks the gun the armorer then has to check the weapon again which is hugely time consuming. I have read that some do and some do not check the gun or that the armorer shows it to them, which, if you don't know what you're looking at is pretty pointless.
In the Variety article you linked IATSE is upset with him which is to be understood because the crew that walked off was one of theirs.
SAG-AFTRA on the other hand, has his back going so far as to say:
“The prosecutor’s contention that an actor has a duty to ensure the functional and mechanical operation of a firearm on a production set is wrong and uninformed. An actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert. Firearms are provided for their use under the guidance of multiple expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm. In addition, the employer is always responsible for providing a safe work environment at all times, including hiring and supervising the work of professionals trained in weapons.

“The Industry Standards for safety with firearms and use of blank ammunition are ​clearly laid out ​in Safety Bulletin 1, provided by the​ Joint​ Industry-Wide Labor Management Safety Commission. The guidelines require an experienced, qualified armorer to be put in charge of all handling, use, and safekeeping of firearms on set. These duties include ‘inspecting the firearm and barrel before and after every firing sequence,’ and ‘checking all firearms before each use.’

“The guidelines do not make it the performer’s responsibility to check any firearm. Performers ​train to perform, and they are not required or expected to be experts on guns or experienced in their use. The industry assigns that responsibility to qualified professionals who oversee their use and handling in every aspect. Anyone issued a firearm on set must be ​given training and guidance in its safe handling​g and use,​ but all activity with firearms on a set must be under the careful supervision and control of the professional armorer and the employer.”
https://deadline.com/2023/01/alec-baldwin-criminal-charges-rust-shooting-sag-aftra-defends-actor-1235228068/
I honestly didn't want to regurgitate the argument about safety with my initial post but wanted more to focus on the constitutional gaffe and oddity of politician serving in the NM legislature being tapped as Special Prosecutor and what the possible implications of that might be so I'll just leave it at that.