Because the “Rust” shooting incident played out on a film set and involved a famous celebrity, it can affect and has affected the way that the trials on the case have played out. Attorney Tray Gober explained to Nicki Swift, “The high-profile nature of the trial, coupled with dramatic moments like waving a gun around in the courtroom by a firearms ‘expert,’ undoubtedly adds a layer of complexity.” Gober was referring to Hannah Gutierrez Reed’s trial, where firearm expert Frank Louis Blair Koucky III appeared to wave an unloaded firearm while on the witness stand, per The Telegraph.
Gober exclusively told Nicki Swift, “Certainly, a jury may question an expert’s qualifications and bias when the expert fails to observe Firearm Safety 101 in a courtroom. Such incidents can disrupt the court’s focus on the expert’s testimony and potentially sway jury perception.” Gober believes that drama like the firearm incident in the courtroom can bring scrutiny to a case and ultimately “impact the jury’s ability to remain unbiased.”
Essentially, Gober expressed that each legal team in Baldwin’s upcoming trial has to take the drama and high profile nature of the case into consideration. He explained, “It’s crucial for the legal teams to navigate these waters carefully, ensuring that their respective witnesses don’t commit unforced errors that could affect the outcome of the trial.” Ultimately, however, we won’t see how Baldwin’s trial plays out until July 2024.
