Rust: New details on tragic on-set shooting revealed

UPDATE: The Santa Fe Sheriff on Wednesday revealed that three guns and 500 rounds of ammunition had been recovered from the set of Alec Baldwin’s upcoming Western feature Rust. It’s also been reported that the suspected shell casing for the bullet that caused the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins may have been discovered. The slug was found in the shoulder of director Joel Souza, with experts believing it was the same round that killed Hutchins. All evidence was submitted to the FBI for ballistics and further investigation. Speaking of which, sources close to the matter say the investigation could take several months to complete.

“Too early right now to comment on charges at this point,” Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the media, adding that arrests will be made if the evidence warrants such action.

“If the facts and evidence and law support charges, then I will initiate prosecution at that time,” District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said Wednesday. “I do not make rash decisions and cannot rush to judgment I cannot stress the importance of allowing the Santa Fe sheriff’s office to continue with their investigation, which is both serious and complex.”

“All options are on the table at this point. I’m not commenting on charges [or] on if they will be filed or not, and [againt] who. No one has been ruled out at this point,” she added.

According to reports, Alec Baldwin was provided with a Colt 45 revolver by armorer Hannah Reed Gutierrez, and then assistant director Dave Halls. It was Halls who passed the gun to Baldwin, shouting, “cold gun,” meaning the weapon is not loaded. Baldwin was then given instructions on how to draw the gun, and in the midst of rehearsing the gesture, the gun went off.

“All three have been cooperative and have provided statements,” Medoza said on Wednesday while referring to Baldwin, Guitierrez, and Halls.

UPDATE: In a move that shouldn’t surprise anyone, THR is reporting that Rust, the western Alec Baldwin was acting in when the tragic shooting of DP Halyna Hutchins happened, has been put on hold until investigations are complete. To me, it seems unlikely the film will ever see the light of day, especially in the wake of allegations that have surfaced from the set this weekend that call into question the safety precautions that either were or weren’t taken. Reports say the gun used in the shooting was regularly used for target practice by the crew off-set, and that live ammunition may have been used.

Update: Alec Baldwin has released a statement via social media following the deadly shooting incident on the set of his upcoming Western, Rust. Baldwin is said to have “discharged” a prop gun that accidentally killed Halyna Hutchins and injured Joel Souza on location in New Mexico. Hutchins died after being airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital.

“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours,” he wrote. “I am fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”

1-
There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021

2- I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021

Baldwin was questioned by investigators Thursday and released.

“We haven’t even begun the forensics on that issue,” Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Juan Rios told Deadline today. “That hasn’t been determined by us as of yet. We expect to have more information next week as our investigation continues.”

Original Article:

A deadly accident occurred on the set of Alec Baldwin’s new western, Rust, when the actor discharged a prop gun that killed the film’s cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. According to tweets posted by co-star Frances Fisher, Souza has since been released from the hospital.

Hi @shannonrwatts
Those quotes are incorrect. And our director Joel Souza is out of hospital.
I don’t subscribe to the daily beast so if that’s what they’re saying, they are wrong.
Will you please correct them? https://t.co/s8LdkLKf0N
— Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) October 22, 2021

According to a report filed by Deadline, a Santa Fe sheriff’s department official confirmed that Baldwin was questioned by investigators and released. No arrests or charges have been filed.

The Santa Fe sheriff’s department released the following statement:

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set of the western “Rust,” October 21, 2021, when an 911 caller reported a shooting on the set.
The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust. Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor.
Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.
This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.

Of course, many questions remain as to what actually happened on set, but this sounds like a terrible, tragic incident by all accounts. It brings to mind the tragic accident on the set of The Crow that cost the life of star Brandon Lee.

In the meantime, a spokesperson for Rust released the following statement via THR:

“The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones. We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”