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Alec Baldwin Charged with Discharging Prop Gun That Killed "Rust" Cinematographer & Critically Injured Director

The Sante Fe, New Mexico Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that Alec Baldwin “discharged” the prop gun that killed one Rust crew member and injured director Joel Souza. Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins died not long after being transported to a hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Here’s the full statement from the Santa Fe Sheriff’s department:

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.

Deadline earlier reported that Criminal Investigators were called to the scene with sources informing us that a principal castmember cocked a gun, hitting a man, 42 and woman, 42, on set. The castmember we’re told was unaware about the type of ammunition in the gun. A rep from the production said that “Production has been halted for the time being” on Rust and that “the safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority.”

Traditionally the prop master or armorer is responsible for fire arms and fire arms safety on a set such as Rust.

As information about Hutchins’ death emerged, the Director of Photography’s Guild also expressed their shock and remorse at what had occurred.

“We received the devastating news this evening, that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the Director of Photography on a production called ‘Rust’ in New Mexico died from injuries sustained on the set,” said the Cinematographers Guild’s National President, John Lindley, and National Executive Director, Rebecca Rhine tonight about Hutchins.


“The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event,” added the guild executives.

“This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild’s family.”

Hutchins is an AFI graduate from the class of 2015 whose work includes several shorts and the lensing the feature Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was named “rising star” by American Cinematographer in 2019.

Hutchins posted the following on her Facebook Tuesday from the set, “Our IATSE solidarity stand on Rust
 
The negligence gonna cost them a fat ass lawsuit. I don't understand after what happened to Brandon Lee that people not making sure everything is safe
 

CNN)A film crew member has died and another was injured after actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm on the set of the movie "Rust" in New Mexico on Thursday, according to a law enforcement statement provided to CNN.

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, was transported to the hospital via helicopter and pronounced dead by medical personnel at University of New Mexico Hospital, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Director Joel Souza, 48, was transported to Christus St. Vincent's Regional Medical Center by ambulance for care. Details on his condition were not released.

According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged," the statement said. "Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged."

The incident happened at approximately 1:50 p.m. local time, investigators said.

"Rust" is a Western film set in the 1880s that stars Baldwin, Travis Fimmel and Jensen Ackles.

The story is about a 13 year-old boy "who goes on the run with his long estranged grandfather after he's sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher," according to a description of the film on IMDB.
 

CNN)A film crew member has died and another was injured after actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm on the set of the movie "Rust" in New Mexico on Thursday, according to a law enforcement statement provided to CNN.

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, was transported to the hospital via helicopter and pronounced dead by medical personnel at University of New Mexico Hospital, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Director Joel Souza, 48, was transported to Christus St. Vincent's Regional Medical Center by ambulance for care. Details on his condition were not released.

According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged," the statement said. "Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged."

The incident happened at approximately 1:50 p.m. local time, investigators said.

"Rust" is a Western film set in the 1880s that stars Baldwin, Travis Fimmel and Jensen Ackles.

The story is about a 13 year-old boy "who goes on the run with his long estranged grandfather after he's sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher," according to a description of the film on IMDB.

Making A film about an accidental killing and an accidental killing actually happens on the set... Smh
 
I didn't see any reports stating that it was live ammunition but rather blanks.

But could be wrong as more news come to light on this terrible incident
What was loaded into the prop gun?

There's now reports that it was in fact a live round allegedly


An email sent to members of the movie prop masters union, IATSE Local 44, said there had been an “accidental weapons discharge” on the set of the Western-style film Rust.

“A live single round was accidentally fired on set by the principal actor, hitting both the Director of Photography, Local 600 member Halnya Hutchins, and Director Joel Souza,” the email read.
 
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