News broke on Thursday night (Oct 21) that actor Alec Baldwin had accidentally shot the Director of Photography and Director while filming his latest move Rust, a western.
42-year-old DP Halyna Hutchins was airlifted to a hospital where she died from her injuries, while Joel Souza, 48, the director of the movie, was taken to the hospital where his injuries have not been disclosed.
“According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged,” a statement from authorities said. “Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.”
A source close to the investigation told The Santa Fe New Mexican that Baldwin was questioned by investigators late Thursday and was seen by a New Mexican reporter and photographer in tears. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is open, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Juan Ríos wrote in a news release.
At first, a production spokesperson said the incident involved the “misfire of a prop gun with blanks” and several sources told TMZ that either shrapnel or a bullet had struck Hutchins and Souza, but according to The Sun, “an email from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 44 confirmed that the prop contained a ‘live round’ of ammunition.”
On Friday (Oct. 22), Baldwin broke his silence on the shooting on social media.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
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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
To read more in depth about the incident and to see the photo of Baldwin, click here.