Isn’t the person in possession of a firearm responsible for the safety of that firearm?
Yes, if you're one of the Peon Surfs like me.
There are different rules for the Intellectual Ruling Elite Superiors.
All animals are equal, but some animals are More Equal than others.
“Isn’t the person in possession of a firearm responsible for the safety of that firearm?”
No, as the lawyers in the article explained, not in this case.
The prop-master, the person tasked with preparing the gun and ensuring it was properly loaded (with blanks) is the LEGALLY responsible person.
That’s the way the system works in film production. The prop-master prepares the weapon & guarantees it is safe. The actor accepts the word of the prop-master that the gun is safe. That’s the system.