Exclusive
MOVIE SET TRAGEDY
ALEC Baldwin accidentally shot and killed a cinematographer while leaving its director in critical condition on set of his new movie, Rust, cops exclusively revealed to The Sun.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and movie director Joel Souza were shot after a prop gun reportedly misfired.
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In a statement first given to The Sun, Santa Fe County Sheriff Juan Rios revealed: “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, 63, producer and actor."
Cops said no charges have been filed but the investigation remains ongoing as witnesses are being quizzed.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a sobbing Baldwin was seen doubled over in the parking lot of a police station after being quizzed over the incident.
It comes as:
- Alec Baldwin says he was 'exhausted' hours before he accidentally shot crew member.
- Baldwin tweet about 'wrongfully killing someone' resurfaces.
- What happened on the set of Alec Baldwin's movie Rust?
- Baldwin deletes bloodied pic of himself on set.
- Who was Halyna Hutchins and what was her role on set?
Alec was filming a scene on the set of his new Western movie, Rust, that required him to fire a gun that was supposed to be loaded with blanks.
But, the gun discharged either shrapnel or a bullet, which hit two people on set including the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins.
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Halyna was airlifted to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Film director and writer Souza remains in a critical condition, according to The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The shooting at Bonanza Creek Ranch just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico happened in the middle of a scene that was either being rehearsed or filmed - with the incident potentially being caught on camera, officials confirmed.
The TV and film star was "unaware" about the type of ammunition in the gun, according to Deadline.
Due to today's events, filming has been paused, with a rep saying: “Production has been halted for the time being on Rust. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority."
Santa Fe cops said: "According to investigators, it appears 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 incident remains an active investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided.”
Reacting to today's devastating news, the Cinematographers Guild said: “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."
A spokesperson for the Rust movie previously said in a statement: “There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of Rust involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.
“Two crew members have been taken to the hospital and are receiving care. "
Just hours before the violent mishap, Alec posed in character on the set in an Instagram post.
He was pictured wearing dirty cowboy boots, a vest, and a bandana while holding a hat looking tired in front of his trailer.
Baldwin said: "Back to in person at the office. Blimey…it’s exhausting."
A tweet from 2017 where Baldwin criticized a southern California cop's fatal shooting has resurfaced following the accident in New Mexico.
He said at the time: "I wonder how it must feel to wrongfully kill someone."
Baldwin was commentating on a Huntington Beach police officer struggling with a young man in front of a 7-Eleven store before drawing his gun and firing.
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Rust will star Alec alongside actors Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher and Jensen Ackles.
Director Joel worked on the story and screenplay with Alec - who plays the titular character, Harland Rust.
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