Topline
Alec Baldwin shot a prop gun that killed one crew member and injured another on Thursday, a shocking incident that’s left Hollywood and fans of the actor rattled—here’s what we know so far.
Key Facts
Baldwin, 63, was in Santa Fe, New Mexico, filming on the set of Rust, which is where the shooting occurred.
Director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, died Thursday at University of New Mexico Hospital as a result of the injuries she sustained from the shooting, according to a release from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department.
Joel Souza, the film’s director, was also injured and taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical, according to the sheriff's department, and he has since been released, Deadline reported.
According to an internal email sent to members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 44 union, which represents prop masters, the gun shot by Baldwin was filled with “a live round” of ammo, and the prop master on set was not a member of that union, IndieWire reports.
Baldwin was photographed Thursday looking visibly distressed outside the Sheriff's department, according to CNN.
The local authorities said the investigation is “open and active” and witnesses are being interviewed, though no charges have been filed.
Representatives for Baldwin and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department have not yet responded to Forbes’ request for comment.
Crucial Quote
“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,” Baldwin tweeted Friday. “I am in touch with 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.”
Tangent
Instead of real bullets, guns used on sets are typically filled with “blanks,” or gunpowder that shoots a piece of plastic or paper out and produces smoke and a bang but can’t hurt anyone close to it, according to the Associated Press.
Key Background
Production on Rust has since been halted, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The movie, which was also written by Souza, tells the story of a 13-year-old boy in the 1880s who goes on the run with his estranged grandfather, played by Baldwin, according to IMDB. The film also stars Frances Fisher and Travis Fimmel. Baldwin is also a producer on the project. Hutchins had posted several photos on Instagram before she died from New Mexico giving a behind-the-scenes look at the project. Baldwin’s brother Stephen posted on Instagram on Thursday night to ask “for prayers.” “not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident thank you.”
Further Reading
Fatal Prop Gun Shootings Like Alec Baldwin’s Are Rare—But Deaths On Set Happen (Forbes)
Prop Gun Fired By Alec Baldwin On Set Of Movie ‘Rust’ Leaves One Dead, One Hospitalized (Forbes)
