Hollywood Horror: Prop Gun Fired by Alec Baldwin Kills Cinematographer, Wounds Director
The accident occurred on the set of a Western called Rust. Our prayers are with the Hutchins family, Souza and the film's cast and crew.
Actor Alec Baldwin on location for the movie "Rust," hours before he accidentally shot and killed the film's cinematographer with a prop gun. (Image was removed from Instagram on Friday)
Actor Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza Thursday afternoon while filming a scene for movie. A production spokesperson described the accident on the set of Rust as a “misfire of a prop gun loaded with blanks.”
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department is investigating how and what type of projectile was involved. No one was arrested in the incident, and no charges have been filed, the Department said in a statement.
Hutchins was 42-years-old. Michael Pessah, a friend and fellow cinematographer said of Hutchins, “She’s a wonderful, positive, creative person that was so excited to be breaking through and making movies.”
Souza is receiving emergency treatment at a local Santa Fe hospital. His condition is unknown.
According to Variety, the incident occurred on the set of Rust an independent feature filming at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular production location south of Santa Fe. In the Western, Baldwin stars as Harland Rust, an outlaw who helps his estranged grandson get out of prison in Kansas after the 13-year-old is “convicted of an accidental murder and sentenced to hang.”
Deadline reports Baldwin was “unaware about the type of ammunition in the gun.” “Traditionally, the prop master or armorer is responsible for fire arms and fire arms safety on a set such as Rust.”
Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, posted a photo of himself from the set hours before the accident. The photo was since been removed.
On Friday, Baldwin issued the following statement on Twitter:
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
