Alec Baldwin accidentally shoots woman dead as prop gun misfires on film set

Alec Baldwin has been named as the person who fired the ‘prop’ gun on the set of Rust which killed a woman and injured a man

Alec Baldwin has been named by Santa Fe authorities as the person who accidentally discharged a prop firearm that killed one and injured another on a movie set on Thursday.

Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a hospital in Albuquerque on Thursday after gun shot wounds to the stomach.

Another man who is the director of the film, Joel Souza, was said to have been injured after being hit in the shoulder.

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s department said in a 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, 63, producer and actor.”

The statement continued: “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.”

As news of the accident broke, the Director of Photography’s Guild expressed their shock and remorse at the incident.

Cinematographers Guild’s National President, John Lindley, and National 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 details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event,” added the guild executives.

“This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild’s family.”

Halyna was named as a “rising star” by American Cinematographer in 2019.

Rust is a movie which was written and directed by Joel, while Alec is co-producer as well as the lead star. Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher and Jensen Ackles also star.

It follows Alec’s character, the infamous outlaw Rust whose 13-year-old grandson is found guilty of an accidental murder.

Rust attempts to break his grandson out of prison while a US Marshal while takes on the role of a bounty hunter who is on the pair’s tail.

The outlaw and his estranged grandson form an unexpected bond as they go on the run together.

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