Alec Baldwin on the set of “Rust” – Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Bonanza Creek Ranch.  Oct. 21, 2021.

Actor/producer Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and wounded director Joel Souza, 48, on the set of a western film titled “Rust”.

“Rust” was a troubled, low-budget production.  Hours before the tragedy, crew members left the set over safety issues.  There was also a dispute over the use of non-union members.

What happened?  Alec Baldwin, playing the title character Harland Rust, pointed what he thought was an unloaded 6-shooting revolver at Hutchins and Souza during filming.  In the scene, he pulled the trigger with a real live round, not “blanks”.  Ms. Hutchins was shot through the heart, the same bullet exited her body, then entered Mr. Souza, breaking his collar bone.  Hutchins was airlifted by helicopter to the nearest hospital.  She was dead on arrival.  Souza recovered and was released the next day.

WHO LOADED THE GUN?

According to the 9-1-1 call made by the script girl, “Rust’s” assistant director (A.D.) Dave Halls handed Baldwin the revolver.  The A.D. also said he didn’t know it was loaded.  This leads to Hannah Reed Gutierrez, who was in charge of handling the firearms…a beginner with very limited experience.  This still doesn’t answer the question as to why live ammo would be used on a movie set.

Those on the film crew had complained about gun safety.  The same gun had accidentally discharged three times prior to this incident.

There have been comparisons to the on-set shooting death of “The Crow” star Brandon Lee.  (3-31-1993.)

Lee was killed by a .44 slug left in the gun barrel.  Actor Michael Massee had pulled the trigger loaded with a blank cartridge.  This discharged the rest of the bullet into Lee’s body.   LINK to LEE ARTICLE

In the case of “Rust”, it appears no real firearms expert was employed.  Instead, they used cheap and inexperienced handlers.  No word yet if “Rust” will continue production.

Text ©  – ERN