Alec Baldwin Fires Prop Gun, Killing Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins On Set

Movies

On the New Mexico set of Alec Baldwin’s latest Western, Rust, director of photography Halyna Hutchins was killed after Baldwin discharged a prop firearm. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also injured in the incident, with further details still under investigation. According to Deadline, a Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department official told them, “Mr. Baldwin was questioned by investigators and released. No arrests or charges have been filed.” Deadline also stated, “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.”

The International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600 put out 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,” said John Lindley, the president of the guild, and Rebecca Rhine, the executive director, in a statement. “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.”

#BREAKING: @santafesheriff investigating incident at #Rust movie set on Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe. Pic from @KOB4 #Chopper4 shows an old church set blocked off, and set security confirms its lockdown. Other pic of Rust cast/crew. pic.twitter.com/8Cw9eg8kec

— Tessa Mentus (@TessaMentus) October 21, 2021