Baldwin's attorney stated that Alec relied on professionals on the set to ensure the gun was unloaded. But Alec was not only an actor on the set, he was the producer also.
As a producer, I think one would know the protocols of firearm safety on your set. The armorer was not present and the one who stated the gun was "cold" (meaning safe) was not a qualified person to declare that.
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How many movies and shows has Baldwin appeared in where he handled guns? Quite a few if memory serves.
Given that, he's experienced in what other sets and armorers do to keep the guns safe for the users. He's been an actor for decades. He has to know that the people in charge need to take their prop guns and ammo more seriously than other props.
He can't say "I relied on professionals to keep us safe," and have that be the end of the discussion. The people responsible for everyone's safety -- the producers and directors -- have a duty to make sure everyone knows the rules and follows them. A gunsmith who manages the props and locks them up when not in use isn't going to be running onto set before every take to verify a gun is safe for that scene.
One big question is why someone OTHER THAN THE GUNSMITH handed Baldwin that firearm. That alone shows Baldwin's assertion that his professionals would keep them safe lacked any control over the guns. I see it as a chain of custody issue. Can't blame the gunsmith if someone else handed him the gun, can you?
I don't think Baldwin has fully explained what happened, and I believe he lied about not pulling the trigger in order to dodge responsibility. He needs to be charged criminally, or else this is bound to happen again. If not with him, with the next production that sees minor consequences should someone get killed by a negligent actor holding a firearm.