Recently in the “gun debate”, an Actor Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter. The big name anti-gun people (such as Joy Behar) say that the charges are political. Every “Pro Gun” Person I know thinks that the charges are wholly appropriate. It’s an interesting dichotomy.
https://www.insider.com/alec-baldwin-rust-pr-experts-hollywood-black-list-manslaughter-charge-2023-1
On 1 side, we have people that don’t think the Involuntary Manslaughter charges are appropriate…I’d suggest that they feel this way because Mr. Baldwin in on the same side of the fence on the gun debate as them and they don’t like seeing their own be in trouble.
On the other side of the equation is a group that says, The charges are appropriate and likely Mr. Baldwin will end up in prison.
For me, like I say in every class, I’m going to re-iterate a few things.
the first is that there are only 2 types of discharges from a gun. In both instances the person using the gun is responsible for whatever comes out of the muzzle. That first type of discharge is an “Intentional discharge”. This means that you meant for it to happen. The second type is a “Negligent Discharge” (commonly referred to as an N.D.). Remember that you, the USER, are responsible for the use of the gun, Intentional or otherwise.
With just that alone, it’s easy to see that Mr. Baldwin’s charges are definitely appropriate.
Now, how the heck do we prevent this kind of thing. At Idaho Gun School classes, we advocate for the 4 Cardinal Rules of Gun Safety. Following all 4 of these rules at all times will greatly reduce the chance that a negligent or intentional discharge results in serious bodily injury or death.
These rules are as follows:
#1 – Treat every gun as if it is loaded at all times.
#2 – Do not point your gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
#3 – Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are on target and have decided to shoot.
#4 – Be certain of your target AND what is beyond it.
So, now knowing these rules, we can examine Mr. Baldwins actions – Presumably he was given a gun on the set of his show by the studio or show “Armorer” (She also has equivalent charges against her), he then proceeded to point that gun at a camera (maybe it was in the script)…..But a reasonable and prudent person would not point a gun at someone or something that you are not willing to destroy. Also, If he knew that he was going to press the trigger because the script said so, he was not treating that gun as if it was loaded. His finger was apparently “on the trigger”. His target in this case was apparently a “Movie camera”, right near or behind that camera was 2 people. One of those people ended up dying.
So, even if the script said to “Press the trigger”….if he had followed the other 3 rules he would not be in legal jeopardy and part of the studio staff would be ALIVE. We have these rules for a reason and this is an amazing example of how NOT to handle a gun.
Stay say out there, do not be lax in with these rules. Follow these rules like it’s a cult type religion.
You are responsible for everything that comes out of your muzzle. we have basic to advanced classes available to help you be as safe as possible!
Stay safe, train often.
Terry