Actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of the feature film Rust in New Mexico, on Thursday, killing a cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza, according to authorities.
The police said in a statement, “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.”
The actor has released a statement expressing his shock at the incident. He wrote on Twitter, "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."
Local news outlet Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the actor was seen crying outside the sheriff's office. In pictures shared by the publication, the actor can be seen doubled over and visibly distraught. The shooting happened at a production location south of Santa Fe in New Mexico, Variety reported. The police have said that they’re investigating the matter and no charges have been filed yet. Reuters reached out to Alec Baldwin for comment but his representatives haven’t responded. The International Cinematographers Guild confirmed Hutchins’ death. The guild’s President John Lindley and Executive Director Rebecca Rhine said in a statement, “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.” The statement added, “The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild’s family.” Hutchins was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque and passed away there while director Souza was taken to the Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa where he is being treated for his injuries, the Santa Fe County Sherrif’s office informed.
The production of Rust issued a statement on Thursday that said, “There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of ‘Rust’ involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.” However, the Sheriff’s office said that they’re ‘referring to the incident as a shooting investigation’. Spokesperson Juan Rios said that the detail of the type of round will be confirmed by the detectives.
“According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged. Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged,” the Sheriff’s office said.
Alec Baldwin is a co-producer on Rust, and plays the role of an infamous outlaw whose grandson is convicted of accidental murder. Jensen Ackles plays a US Marshall in the film.
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