Alec Baldwin Fires Prop Gun That Accidentally Kills Cinematographer and Injures Director of His Western RUST

Photo by Halyna Hutchins

A tragic accident on the set of Alec Baldwin’s new western film project Rust has left the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, 42, dead and director Joel Souza, 48, injured.

The accident occurred while shooting a scene in which Alec Baldwin had to fire a prop gun, and the gun discharged a projectile. The movie is shooting in New Mexico and the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department released the following statement:

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. 

This is completely heartbreaking news. When it comes to film productions like this, the prop master or armorer is responsible for firearms and firearms safety, and someone obviously messed up big time.

The entire shooting location went under lockdown during the investigation. Baldwin was unaware of the type of ammunition in the gun. A representative from the production said, “Production has been halted for the time being” on Rust and that “the safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority.”

The Cinematographers Guild expressed shock and remorse, and Guild’s National President, John Lindley, and National Executive Director, Rebecca Rhine shared the following 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 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.”

Souza and Baldwin wrote the story for the film, and it also stars Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher and Jensen Ackles.

The film’s story centers on Harland Rust (Baldwin),” an infamous Western outlaw who has had a bounty on his head for as long as he can remember. When his estranged 13-year-old grandson Lucas (Noon) is convicted of an accidental murder and sentenced to hang, Rust travels to Kansas to break him out of prison. Together, the two fugitives must outrun the legendary U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Ackles) and bounty-hunter Fenton “Preacher” Lang (Fimmel) who are hot on their tail. Deeply buried secrets rise from the ashes and an unexpected familial bond begins to form as the mismatched duo tries to survive the merciless American Frontier.”

At this point, who knows if the movie will even start production back up again. A spokesperson for Rust Movies Productions LLC shared the fallowing statement:

“The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones. We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”

This is just so tragic. I can’t even imagine what Baldwin and the family of the deceased are going through right now.

UPDATE:

Baldwin shared the following statement:

“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 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.”

Source: Deadline