‘Rust’ Shooting: Gun Supplier Sues Alec Baldwin Over Blame

The tragic 2021 shooting on the set of the Western film ‘Rust,’ which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, continues to ripple through the legal system. In a significant development, Seth Kenney, the prop gun supplier for the film, has filed a lawsuit against actor and producer Alec Baldwin, along with other individuals and entities involved in the production. Kenney claims he has been unfairly scapegoated, enduring severe damage to his reputation and career since the incident.

Kenney, owner of PDQ Arm & Prop, filed the complaint alleging that a “national propaganda campaign” orchestrated by Baldwin and “cutthroat industry Hollywood ‘fixers’” unfairly placed blame on him, leading to personal humiliation, mental anguish, and significant financial losses.

The Core of the Lawsuit: A Fight for Reputation

At the heart of Seth Kenney’s lawsuit is the assertion that his professional standing has been irrevocably harmed. As the supplier of prop guns and blanks, including the Colt .45 revolver Baldwin was holding when the fatal shot was fired, Kenney found himself at the center of the intense investigation and public scrutiny that followed the ‘Rust’ shooting. He maintains that despite meticulously “rattle testing” dummy rounds to ensure they were inert, he has been unable to escape a cloud of suspicion.

Kenney’s legal action comes years after the incident, highlighting the lasting impact on his ability to find work in the film industry. He describes the experience as “devastating” and asserts he has “been the scapegoat.”

Unraveling the ‘Rust’ Tragedy: Competing Narratives

The legal landscape surrounding the ‘Rust’ shooting is complex, with multiple parties offering differing accounts and accusations regarding who bears ultimate responsibility for the presence of live ammunition on set.

The Role of the Armorer and the Contaminated Rounds

Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in the tragedy. Prosecutors argued that she was negligent in allowing live rounds to be present on set. Evidence presented at her trial suggested she might have unknowingly brought live rounds onto the set when filming began and that they were present days before the shooting.

Kenney’s lawsuit alleges that Gutierrez Reed was responsible for the live bullets, claiming “Hannah started this deadly snowball.” He further speculates that her dummy supply had been mixed with live .45 Colt rounds she had been using in her off-hours while working as an armorer on a previous film, ‘The Old Way.’ However, in 2022, Gutierrez Reed herself filed a lawsuit against Kenney and his company, PDQ Arm & Prop, accusing them of supplying a mix of dummy and live rounds and creating a dangerous condition on set. She claimed that PDQ Arm & Prop distributed boxes of ammunition marked as dummy rounds that, in fact, contained both live and dummy ammunition. Kenney has consistently denied supplying live rounds to the ‘Rust’ production.

Alec Baldwin’s Legal Battles and Counter-Claims

Alec Baldwin, who was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, saw his case dismissed in July 2024, midway through his trial. The dismissal came after allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense, specifically a cache of bullets. Six months later, Baldwin filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit against New Mexico officials, asserting civil rights violations and defamation. In this lawsuit, Baldwin’s lawyers suggested that Kenney may have inadvertently commingled live rounds into a supply of dummy rounds. This action by Baldwin reportedly served as a “last straw” for Kenney, prompting him to file his own lawsuit.

Baldwin’s lawsuit, which initially claimed he was targeted as a “celebrity scapegoat,” has been reinstated and moved to federal court after being dismissed earlier in July 2025 for lack of significant activity.

The Broader Legal Landscape: A Web of Litigation

The ‘Rust’ shooting has ignited a complex web of civil and criminal lawsuits. Beyond Kenney’s and Baldwin’s actions, other significant legal proceedings include:

• The parents and younger sister of Halyna Hutchins are pursuing damages and compensation from Baldwin and ‘Rust’ producers in New Mexico civil court, with Baldwin potentially being deposed in November. A wrongful-death lawsuit by Matthew Hutchins, Halyna’s widower, and their son was settled in 2022.
• Several crew members had filed civil lawsuits against Baldwin and producers for emotional distress, with a settlement agreement reached in June 2025.
• Kenney himself filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in December 2024, alleging investigators lied to obtain a search warrant for his business.

These ongoing legal battles underscore the intricate and contentious nature of accountability following the tragic on-set incident. Kenney maintains he has not received his gun back, which remains in evidence, and has not been paid by the ‘Rust’ production for its rental.

FAQs about the ‘Rust’ Gun Supplier Lawsuit

What is Seth Kenney alleging in his lawsuit?

Seth Kenney, the prop gun supplier, alleges that Alec Baldwin and others involved in the ‘Rust’ production engaged in a “national propaganda campaign” to make him a scapegoat for the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins. He claims this has destroyed his reputation and career.

What was Hannah Gutierrez Reed’s role in the shooting?

Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. She was responsible for the weapons on set, and prosecutors argued her negligence led to live rounds being present. She also previously sued Seth Kenney, alleging he supplied mixed dummy and live rounds.

How has this impacted Seth Kenney’s career?

Kenney states that he has been unable to find work in the film industry since the shooting and that his career may be “terminal” due to the negative impact on his reputation.

Are there other lawsuits related to the ‘Rust’ incident?

Yes, numerous lawsuits are ongoing, including a malicious prosecution lawsuit by Alec Baldwin against New Mexico prosecutors, and civil lawsuits filed by Halyna Hutchins’ family members and former crew members against Baldwin and the production. Seth Kenney also filed a civil rights suit against the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by ‘Rust’ gun supplier Seth Kenney against Alec Baldwin adds another intricate layer to the ongoing legal fallout from the tragic 2021 shooting. Kenney’s claims of being a “scapegoat” underscore the deeply personal and professional toll the incident has taken on those involved. As the various legal battles continue to unfold, with accusations and counter-accusations flying, the pursuit of accountability for Halyna Hutchins’ death remains a protracted and challenging endeavor within the complex realm of the film industry’s legal system.