Tragedy struck on the set of Alec Baldwin's new feature film, "Rust." While on location
in New Mexico on October 21st, 2021, Baldwin discharged a prop gun, striking the film's
director of photography, as well as the director. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life
in the accident. Director Joel Souza was hospitalized, but released hours later.
According to The New York Times, the shooting occurred at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa
Fe. A spokesman for the Santa Fe Sheriff's office said that they were, quote, "trying
to determine right now how and what type of projectile was used in the firearm."
The popular star had shared a photo on Instagram from the set earlier in the day. The caption
was tongue-in-cheek and read,
"Back to in person at the office. Blimey...it's exhausting."
That photo was soon deleted after the fatal incident.
People Magazine obtained a photo from the Santa Fe New Mexican taken after the tragic
event, showing the actor on his cell phone, obviously shaken. Baldwin's spokesperson also
gave People a statement about the incident, saying,
"There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of 'Rust' involving the misfire of a prop
gun with blanks."
The morning after the incident, Baldwin took to Twitter via the Hilaria and Alec Baldwin
Foundation to express his remorse and sorrow over what transpired on the set of his movie.
Baldwin wrote,
"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."
Baldwin's followers also expressed their shock at what happened, offering sympathy to the
actor. One follower tweeted,
"Oh my goodness what an awful experience and tragedy for all involved. This was a tragic
accident and hopefully they will get to why that prop gun was so lethal. Try to stay strong
and grateful you are supporting and in close contact with the family."
Another wrote,
"I can only imagine what you and this poor woman's family are going through. Wishing
you both peace."
Since the fateful shooting, work on the set of "Rust" has been shut down. The production
company, Rust Movie Productions LLC, expressed its heartbreak in its own statement. It read,
"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."
Halyna Hutchins' husband, Matthew, also expressed his grief over the tragedy, while not wanting
to get into the legalities of the case or the investigation that's taking place. He
told Insider,
"I don't think there are words to communicate the situation. I am not going to be able to
comment about the facts or the process of what we're going through right now, but I
appreciate that everyone has been very sympathetic. I think that we will need a little bit of
time before we can really encapsulate her life in a way that is easy to communicate."
Matthew also shared with the New York Post that he had spoken with Baldwin, and that
the actor had been, quote, "very supportive."
As of this video, there have been no charges filed against Baldwin or anyone else involved
with the tragic accident, but Baldwin was officially questioned and later released by
authorities in New Mexico. According to The New York Times, some outstanding questions
about the incident remain, including what type of weapon was being used, whether it
was discharged several times, and what the safety protocols were on the set for any weapons
present.
We're sending our condolences to Hutchins' family and to everyone on the set after such
a horrific tragedy.