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“